tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21563496022642315872024-03-05T10:45:41.250-05:00Aly ♥ BaseballBaseball. Atlanta Braves. Toronto Blue Jays. Love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-7679962312860318622016-09-25T11:50:00.001-04:002017-09-25T11:27:10.634-04:00José FernándezComing out of "retirement" to write a few things.<br />
<br />
Honestly, while I do love baseball, I can't muster the same kind of enthusiasm that I had when I first began running this blog... or even before I began this blog, really. Is that what growing up is? I guess not, really. It's personal issues that have hampered/dampened my excitement -- while I don't tend to speak about these issues on a "public" blog like this one, this is the reality I live in. <br />
<br />
That being said, I do still love baseball, and I enjoy watching it, and there are still individual players that can coax me the midst of the dull haze... my usual darlings and lovies, and, though he wasn't a part of the Braves organization, José Fernández. I remember gushing to Lauren on more than one occasion how much I just love José. I love watching him pitch, love watching him hit, love watching his antics in the dugout, love reading and looking at his Instagram. He was just instantly loveable, to me. I think I fell in love a little the moment I first saw him on television. How can you not? He was so very adorable -- that face! That dazzling smile! He just seemed so very happy. The happiness he had just from... breathing... it was... it IS magenetic. It was magical to watch him play baseball<br />
<br />
I had just seen him play the Braves... September 14, 2016. A great match up. Our own adorable Julio Teheran vs the vibrant happy José Fernández. I was sitting in the front row of section 118, right next to the dugout. I was less than 20 feet away from him. I could see his teeth because he smiled so widely as he spoke exuberantly to his coaches, his teammates. I could hear him laughing and gesturing wildly. I saw him playing with his hair. He was lively, unabashed, totally at ease, and full of cheek and mischief. He was so very animated. Just looking at him made me smile; he utterly melted my ice-cold heart from the get-go through the television... so in person, it was even more intense. This wasn't the first time I've seen him live, but it was the first time I was so close. The seats themselves make me smile, but in spite of the Braves losing, I couldn't stop grinning. The fans around me were very confused when I cheered simultaneously for the Braves and the Marlins. I couldn't help myself... Martín Prado? Jeff Francoeur? Giancarlo "Mike/I'm not even a rookie anymore" Stanton? Suzuki Ichiro? And that ebullient, joyous José Fernández? Yes please, all of this forever. I, in fact, told my friends that, with the exception of a few players, I would have been perfectly pleased to exchange the entire team with the Braves. I love the Braves, but the Marlins are simply more fun and more entertaining to watch. Not because they are now winning... but they just... they're more fun. It's just true. <br />
<br />
In my head, I called him "Baby Boy." I don't think I told anybody that, because it's just silly... I didn't know him! It seemed presumptuous, but I felt like I DID know him... He had that sparkle of kid in the candy store about baseball -- it emanated from him in tidal waves. If you had any kind of soul, you could feel it -- in person, on television. It was palpable and real. You could tell he didn't take himself too seriously. I couldn't help but adore him. I got actually mad when fans of my team booed him. (He had beaned Nick Markakis -- also one of my boys... and then our guy tried to bean him back... aimed for the head from what I saw. Our guy got thrown out. I don't like beanings, but I also get it... but not the head, people.) (Also, I generally hate booing.) He took all of it in stride, and though he struck out, he kind of shrugged and smiled once he was back in the dugout... and proceeded to dismantle us when he was back on the mound. All while smiling. <br />
<br />
I feel incomprehensibly and incredibly saddened by his death. I felt sickened, to be honest. I still feel a bit nauseated, actually. I'm currently out of town, in Durham, NC, working a bead show with my mother. The convention center in which the bead show is hosted is connected to a hotel... and the hotel bar/lounge area has televisions. I was passing by the lounge to get coffee for my mother when I saw images and videos of Fernández plastered on 2 of the screens (but I was too far away to read the text or hear any of the audio). As soon as I got her coffee, I took out my phone and Googled him, thinking, "He must've done something amazing during a game... or at worst, he got suspended for something silly and ridiculous." To my horror, the first thing I saw was "Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez, 2 Others Killed In Miami Boat Crash." <br />
<br />
Wait, what?<br />
<br />
I remember gasping and tearing up and feeling an overwhelming urge to vomit. Is this a joke? <br />
<br />
I got on Twitter. (I get news from Twitter, y'all. That is the state of journalism nowadays... that is tragic.)<br />
<br />
It was not. <br />
<br />
It was not, from multiple sources. I Googled again, hoping that this was the worst, most tasteless hoax. Some terrible hack. <br />
<br />
But it wasn't a hoax. It was not a joke. How can this be real? <br />
<br />
My first thought was, "Oh, God... but his girlfriend and their baby... oh, no, this can't be." Followed by, "Does Lauren know?" I didn't want to break the news to my girl so early in the morning. (Because of the bead show, I've been up since 6 AM. I think I found out around 8:15...) I still feel ill. Lauren ended up contacting me, actually. We are mourning together over the internet. We are feeling sad for his family, for his girlfriend, for their baby-on-the-way...<br />
<br />
I've been all over Twitter, reading about his smile, his infectious beautiful genuine smile. His laughter, his liveliness. There were mentions of his baseball prowess, of course. But mostly? Everybody spoke of his heart, his laughter, his smile, his journey from Cuba, his relationship with his family. What a legacy to leave at only the age of 24... that he remembered first and foremost for his vivacious personality and his love of family and life... and then his dominance in the baseball world. <br />
<br />
Rest in peace. May you continue to shine down upon us, and may your joyousness serve as a reminder and example to others to live life passion, to love life as hard as you can, and to laugh through it all. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-33321389250390435342012-03-19T22:04:00.001-04:002012-03-19T22:06:17.982-04:00Braves License Plate!!Here is a link: <a href="http://braves.com/tags">http://braves.com/tags</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Go on. Click on it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is pretty cool stuff, y'all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif, clarendon; line-height: 1.3em;">Atlanta Braves fans will soon be able to show their team spirit and support the Atlanta Braves Foundation as they traverse Georgia's roads and highways, with a state-issued Atlanta Braves license plate. Before this plate can be produced, we must collect 1,000 commitments from Georgia drivers who want to show their Braves pride on their license plate. Place your $25 manufacturing reservation below today, and be among the first to get the new Braves tag.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif, clarendon; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br />
Your credit card will not be charged until 1,000 commitments have been received. Once manufactured, you will request and pay for your Braves plate from your local county tag office. <strong>For new and renewal license plates, there will be an annual charge of $35 for the specialty plates in addition to your regular vehicle registration fees and the $25 manufacturing fee charged here.</strong> Further details will be communicated to all applicants once the initial 1,000 submissions have been received."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif, clarendon; font-size: small; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif, clarendon; font-size: small; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426858_10150617805552831_35071097830_9405721_1712736079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426858_10150617805552831_35071097830_9405721_1712736079_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could be your license plate. Dig it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif, clarendon; font-size: small; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-71663778707308703872011-11-15T13:31:00.001-05:002011-11-16T19:24:00.938-05:00As Molly Would Say, "I Will Cut You"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4WhaEm646ptepAw54hEx5MtiAwpDIb7Yx3C2C83OrYmWTdcDSJX-JKar1jL8lBvqiwlrqpnQzdHv6FLhu_n4R7SpCsK4mWHM0qwc5wfcfucy4-lKL7Zra0K4pevCS0VAS1vWbCPQ1tSt/s1600/DOB+01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4WhaEm646ptepAw54hEx5MtiAwpDIb7Yx3C2C83OrYmWTdcDSJX-JKar1jL8lBvqiwlrqpnQzdHv6FLhu_n4R7SpCsK4mWHM0qwc5wfcfucy4-lKL7Zra0K4pevCS0VAS1vWbCPQ1tSt/s1600/DOB+01.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(source: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ajcbraves/status/136178538104627201">https://twitter.com/#!/ajcbraves/status/136178538104627201</a>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you see this tweet?
DO YOU SEE THIS TWEET?
Unacceptable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am devastated, you guys.
I realize that I’ve completely lax in posting anything of merit on this
here blog*, but I am simply devastated at the thought that anybody would EVER
want to trade Martin Prado. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/AliPhoneIC/status/136474417575366656">No good willcome from this</a>. There is a not a
single player, no combination of hotshot prospects, no right handed power bat,
no veteran presence that would EVER make a Prado trade OK, ever. EVER.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/BravesLove/status/136475145782050816">Lauren called me dramatic (jokingly)</a>, but whatever. All of these jerks on sitting behind their
computers, playing GM, trying to trade my INVALUABLE favorite player is going
to make me pretty upset. You would not
like it either if there were constant rumors swirling around about YOUR
favorite player being snatched away from you and you know it. Don’t even front. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, by the way, people. Don’t try to sit here and placate me like I’m
a child, saying, “I understand why they did/want to do this, because blah blah
blah. It’s what is best for the
team.” You just sound like the teacher
from the Charlie Brown specials. Don’t
you try to lambast me with your “superior” baseball knowledge either; so you
know how to read the Internet and watch the game. Guess what, Sherlock? Me, too.
Don’t you tell me to be reasonable like, “Trading him would result in a
better future for the team.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever. I do not
give a rat’s behind. He should stay,
plain and simple. There, I said it. I am NOT interested in your opinions as to
why that isn’t true. You can say I’m
wrong all day long, but that won’t make a lick of difference to me (because I’m
right). There’s no point in getting into
an argument with me; I will win out of sheer stubbornness (as well as the fact
that I am RIGHT). I know how to
construct a clear-cut logical and persuasive argument just as well as any debater
can, and I am stubborn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least I know that Molly and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/inthecalzone/status/136476270262370305">Jane</a> have got my back on
this. And I know some of the other
readers out there understand. This is
Martin Prado we’re talking about here!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of this is quite distressing to me. The Braves’ supply of Venezuelan lovies dwindles,
and my patience wears thin when there are threats (yes, THREATS) of trade of
the remaining and most beloved Venezuelan, <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=16092607">the man who can do anything/everything</a>. Seriously. You want to trade Mr. Sunny Skies?????????????? Please do us all a favor and evaporate from existence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martin Prado is off-limits. Do not touch. This is NOT ok.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[pictures to follow. I'm on my lunch-break now, and I do not have access.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Yes, I have been busy.
And yes, I actually have been writing posts, but things are happening
too fast for me… and the quality of the post just… was not good. I don’t claim to be the best writer in the
world, by any means, particularly when writing about sports, but still. There is a certain standard of quality I try
to follow before I decide to publish something that I wrote on the internet for
the 10 of y’all to see. In other words,
I have a backlog of posts about the playoffs, the World Series, Farewell-Player
posts, and trade rumors. Maybe i'll post some of them, or edit them so that they aren't so... obviously overdue.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-46812513542161275492011-11-05T21:38:00.000-04:002011-11-05T21:38:05.199-04:00Playing Catch... Up.Yeah, so I'm constantly playing catch up, but...<br />
<br />
I got a new phone, and several "shouty" posts I had made never actually made it to the Internet. I don't know if it is me, the network, or the phone. Either way, I'm weighing in.<br />
<br />
You know, because MY opinion is extra interesting and important. You're just dying to hear it. Don't worry. I will deprive you of this no longer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>FRANK WREN IS OPEN TO LISTENING TO OFFERS ON MY MARTIN PRADO THAT JERK UNACCEPTABLE.</li>
<li>Frank Wren is entertaining offers on JAIR JURRJENS WTF.</li>
<li>JC Boscan and Alex Gonzalez are both free agents. NOT COOL. WE ARE RUNNING LOW ON OUR SUPPLY OF VENEZUELANS. </li>
<li>Fielding percentage and errors are overrated ways to decide who is a better fielder, unless there is a large number of errors and a very low fielding percentage, since it is up to the official scorer. Therefore, I don't give a rat's behind that Tulo had a better percentage and less errors. Our Gonzo was robbed and that is that.</li>
<li>I, for one, will miss D-Lowe. I am well aware that last year was a terrible year and that he had a monster contract and blah blah blah. I do not care. I will still miss him because he was fun, and damn it... the tenacity from 2010 really endeared him to me. I love that I witnessed his first home run. I know that it is better for the team, and that's great. But this could have been avoided by NOT giving him a ridic contract in the first place, which forced us to trade JAVIER VAZQUEZ.</li>
<li>JAVIER VAZQUEZ IS RETIRING NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-16614924194940906672011-11-01T20:05:00.000-04:002011-11-02T00:53:18.461-04:0003SEPT2011: Braves Family Field Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_1253550010"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1253550011"></span><br />
<br />
I’ll be honest. I was reluctant to go when I discovered it was going to be <i>FAMILY</i> Field Day rather than a ladies-only Baseball 101 this year. It isn’t that I dislike children. I don’t. I rather like children. Now, whether or not they like <i>me</i>, on the other hand, is a whole other story. But with the addition of children to the mix, as well as parents-who-are-watching-their-kids, now, I was a little wary on the whole thing. BFFD was not particularly expensive given all that was included, but when one is on a budget, one begins to think very carefully about how to use one’s “disposable income.” (You’ll have to forgive me, I was an Econ major for a <b>long</b> time.) <br />
<br />
<s>A picture of all of the crap I got.</s> Yeah, about that. Fail. I completely did not do that. <br />
<br />
It was a fun day, though, it began on a slightly silly/panicked note. A friend of mine, Tyler, was leaving town the night before (Friday). (This blog, incidentally, shares its birthday with Tyler. Hurray, Tyler! He is not a baseball fan. But he <i>is</i> an Atlanta fan.) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/TylerandMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/TylerandMe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends circa elementary school. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went out to meet up him, his girlfriend Awesome Amanda, and a bunch of friends. But before that happened, I met up with my best HAC Linda, since I was going to be watching her toy fox terrier, Izzy. (Izzy is very small, and very sweet, and very neurotic. All of these traits lead to hours of hilarity.) I got home, exhausted, since I have a Big Girl Job now (no more waitressing, y’all. I don’t know if I ever mentioned that. I’m no longer in Customer Ser—Oh, wait. Sigh), and I have the attention span of a 3-year-old and the energy level of a 60 year old. (I made those numbers up. With SCIENCE.) I was not home at the time I intended to be home in spite of my Big Girl Job, which mentally exhausts me. I’m masochistic, it seems. And then I wonder why my body hates me. :P <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/RindaandIzzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/RindaandIzzy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best HAC Linda & the Roaring Izzy-Boo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I set the alarm and went to sleep, intending to check my email in the morning to confirm final details of BFFD. I knew that it started at 10, so I figured that I would get up at 7:45. That… turned out <i>nice</i>. I had forgotten that I had a dog with me, you see. And she was simply not cooperating that morning. She wanted to cuddle and sleep, but also run around and meet all the strangers with their strange new smells. I just wanted her to pee and poo. She didn’t/wouldn’t. I left the house at 8:53 after making some phone calls to Lauren about details, as my email told me pretty much nothing. <br />
<s></s> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/MyBFFDemail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/MyBFFDemail.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screencap: My email</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<s><br /></s> <br />
<s></s> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/LaurenBFFDemail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/LaurenBFFDemail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screencap: Lauren's email</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lauren: Did you check your Spam folder? <br />
Me: Yes. In spite of the fact that I have it set specifically so that anything from “@braves.com” would <i>not</i> go into the Spam folder. <br />
Susan: I got a phone call to confirm what my email address is, and I got the same email as Lauren. <br />
Me: >:| <br />
<br />
I’m beginning to think my email address is on some kind of taboo list or something for Braves related emails (unless they’re trying to tempt me into purchasing their wares with promises of discounts and/or free shipping and the like). Maybe they’re trying to tell me something? :( <br />
<br />
After securing a promise from family members to watch the pup, let her out to do her business (which, they later reported, she didn’t do… she just sniffed everything and strained against the leash, trying to dash across the street and into the yard of a neighbor with a dog that is probably a gazillion times her size), I set off to Turner Field. I got there at 9:57AM. Signed in, dashed around the stadium and into the stands, where everybody else was, and found Lauren and Susan. <br />
<s></s> <br />
<s></s> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check out the enthusiasm on everybody's faces. ;P<br />
ALSO, BROOKSY IT'S TOO EARLY TO DIP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And here were our “instructors.” Hello, C-Mart, Georgie, Meds, Brooksy, EOF, & Deer Jonnay! <br />
<br />
They were <i>so</i> excited (especially Brooks). <br />
<br />
And off we went!<br />
<br />
First station was the hitting station. There were at least 30 of us in a group, I think. And Jose Constanza was the hitting instructor (with the little kids) and then someone-whose-name-I-can’t-remember-who-was-very-nice taught the rest of us. We hit off a tee. I whiffed first. It was… amazing. Lauren has a picture of me missing the ball ON THE TEE. D; My own pictures weren’t so amazing… And I am not very good at editing photos, I feel. (That’s why the idea is to always try to get it right the first time.) But I got 2 good shots of Susan, and that was really about it… Everything else was blurry. Basically? Photography FAIL. And this is why I am an amateur. :P <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD06.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo was SO dark, but Susan is SO cute!!<br />
Had to keep it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<s></s> <br />
<br />
Next station: RUN THE BASES. This was staff, and no players. I did not run those bases. Are you kidding me? It’s nearing noon in Atlanta in the summer and you want me to run these bases in my inappropriate shorts and bad knees? Nope. I skipped that, yessir. I did not take pictures. I thought about it briefly. <br />
<br />
Third station: Fielding grounders with Brooks Conrad and Kris Medlen. The group split into two, with no real guidance as to how many Brooksy should take and how many Meds should take. Brooks was closer, so most people stayed with him. Lauren, Susan, and I (aside: I just noticed that all of us are “uns”… our names… right, irrelevant) headed over into Meds’ line. He asked if we wanted gum, and then tossed a handful at us like… confetti. Except that it’s gum. (And it was GROSS… like… seemed like it’d already been chewed!) And we laughed at him for throwing it at us like he’s on a parade float or something. He shrugged and said, “I gotta bribe people to come hang out with me” or something along those lines. (Oh, Meds… don’t be ridic. Like you actually need to bribe people with gum to hang with you. Honestly.) <br />
<br />
I don’t have a glove, so Lauren lent hers to me. Let me just say, that I haven’t put a glove on my hand since I was in the ninth grade. I won’t tell you how long ago that was, since it sort of depresses me. And I hadn’t thrown a tennis ball (much less a BASEBALL) in at least five years (hmm, just checked. Yep, still depressed.). So you can imagine my shock that the ball actually almost made it all the way near Meds. He was not super close either. And he would trick you after a couple of turns. This was my second favorite station because Meds was so fun, and because our line was so short, we could just continuously get back in line and field-and-throw. He gave pointers (“Ok, plant your feet! Good!”), and he was totally encouraging when you made throws that fell just a little short (“You almost got it!”). Good times. When I did get one to him finally (guess I was sufficiently warmed up by then?), he said, “Hey, good job! You got it all the way over!” Cue Aly BEAM. <br />
<br />
Pictures are few and far between. Sorry. I think, at this point, I decided that I was going to play with Lauren’s New Camera (part 1). As such, Lauren's camera suddenly got a jillion pictures because of my messing with it. Sorry!!<br />
<br />
Station 4: Jonny Venters & Eric O’Flaherty, our cutie lefty bullpen monsters, in the visitor bullpen. This, I was nervous about. <br />
1. I cannot catch. I have the very worst hand-eye-coordination of any relatively healthy human being I know. <br />
2. I cannot throw. I know I just threw with Meds, and I USED to throw in the baseball games with all the neighborhood kids we could scrounge up. But that does not mean I can actually throw. Plus, my old wrist “injury” (for lack of better word) still plagues me a little bit. <br />
3. Um, hello?! I’m standing next to members of my darling Braves. That’s going to get any girl nervous. I’m not exactly known for being outgoing and gregarious, you know. [This reminds me of an episode of Doctor Who called “The Girl in the Fireplace.” One of the lines goes (about the King of France), “He is the King, and I love him with all my heart. And I look forward to meeting him someday.” Obviously, these guys are not kings, but it’s kind of a similar thing? Sort of? Ok, maybe not. I’ll shut up. But… check out that episode. Totally awesome.] <br />
<br />
Here are some pictures I took of EOF. While I’ve managed to get several great Jonny pictures in times past, pictures of EOF never seem to do him justice. I was on a mission. And that mission was to get a flattering shot of EOF. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">This was not it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">This is blurry and generally bad, but so cute.<br />
So it stays.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="515" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't our Eric O'Flaherty gorgeous? Our Reliever is Better-Looking Than Your Reliever. Depend on it.<br />
This picture STILL doesn't do him any justice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is the best I could manage. I took a lot, too<strike>, I am ashamed to admit</strike>. Why do I fail??<br />
<br />
It seemed as though we weren’t going to end up pitching though, because… again, the lines were not organized, it was just “Ok, we’re gonna coach you a little bit on how to pitch. THROW A BUNCH OF PITCHES GOOD JOB!” We didn’t get near able to go when they started calling time, and trying to usher us along to the next station. I was about to be resigned that we weren’t going to be able to pitch when Lauren walked right up to EOF and said, “We’ve got time for pictures, but not enough time for everybody to pitch?” Eric looked genuinely sorry, and said, “You didn’t get to throw? You should have gotten in there! Some of the kids went 2 or 3 times.” In my head, I was thinking “Yeah. In each line.” I’m an older sibling. I’m also the oldest cousin. So I’m used to just letting kids do whatever while I watch. But honestly, that’s a bit stupid since I had to pay to participate… only not to participate. So Eric O’Flaherty being super-amazing, told us that he would catch and we could throw RIGHT THEN AND THERE. By this point, EVERYBODY in our group except Lauren, Susan, and me were out of the bullpen. It was literally our group guide, Jonny, EOF, and us girls. <br />
<br />
OH. EM. GEE. <br />
<br />
It just occurred to me that I could/should have mentioned that it would be my birthday the next day. Guess that shows how important it is to me. Like, I recognize that it is my birthday. But I don’t plan or expect fantastic things to happen. It’s just another day. If I do something cool, “yay!” If not, that’s fine, too. <br />
<br />
Right. So Susan went first and did such a great job! (Let’s take a second to talk about how ADORBZ Susan is, please. She’s so cute!! And funny. <3) I went next, and felt utterly stupid. I had no idea what I was doing, honestly. My first pitch made it to EOF, and he was very much like, “Hey, not bad!” But when he threw it back, I couldn’t catch, and it hit me in the chest, after I fumbled the ball. I’m not used to gloves… or catching. This has never in my life been a strong suit. I have an ill sense of balance as well. I can only sort of walk in a straight line, and I cannot stand still without swaying and maybe falling. These are true statements. So if I am ever pulled over stone cold sober, and given field sobriety tests, I’m pretty sure that my butt is going to be in county lock up. I told EOF that I couldn’t catch in what must have sounded like a pathetic voice, but I really was mortified. I CAN sort of catch… sometimes. He on the other hand, was apologizing for throwing it at me… but come on… I’m supposed to catch it and throw it back. Jonny was like, “I’ll catch it for you, don’t worry.” Thanks, Jonny! So after I embarrassed myself a little bit more (I think one of pitches went the complete wrong direction, groan). EOF made the most hilarious “oops/yikes” face. Then Lauren goes, throwing hard, and the guys are all surprised. Meanwhile, she’s like, “Oh, that was soft.” <br />
<br />
Susan and me: “hooooookay.” (with a side of rolled eyes for me) <br />
EOF: “That was NOT soft.” <br />
Jonny: :O “Looked pretty good to me!” :O <br />
<br />
Yes, Lauren. We know you throw hard. ;) <br />
<br />
<br />
Much to the relief of our chaperone/guide person, we made our way over to Station 5: Pop Ups with Cristhian Martinez. We were way behind the crowd. Cristhian saw us approaching, and came up, held out his hand. “Hi, what’s up?” I shook it, “Hi!” Lauren shook his hand, “Hi, we’re sorry we’re a little late!” Susan shook his hand and said, “Hi. I’m Susan.” (See, not only is she cute, she’s a smartie, too.) Cristhian seemed kind of taken aback by this, but only for a split second, grinned and said, “What’s up, I’m Cristhian.” We took pictures with Cristhian instead of catching pop ups. Then we took pictures of ourselves. Then a nice man took a picture for us. And then… it was time to go, and I didn’t catch a pop up. But like I said… I can’t catch. Really, though, at that point, all I wanted was water. It was a very hot day. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempt 1: I like this one best, but I do NOT enjoy my hair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempt 2: Why am I leaning so awkwardly??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempt 3: A nice man took this picture...<br />
I want to crop myself out of this otherwise great photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Station 6: Autograph Session – You know. A line forms. You get your crap signed (in my case, the free t-shirt from the event which I will never wear), exchange small talk and pleasantries, and shuffle along. I got a picture with awesome Eric O’Flaherty… I heart him forever, to Infante and beyond. (Can we have a conversation about how this man is literally gorgeous? Absolutely beautiful.) Got one with Brooksy, too. Yay! And also, Jose Constanza. Yay! Everybody was so nice. Loved it. Then it was time to eat… I ate a hamburger and then I downed 2 bottles of water and half a bottle of Coke. <br />
<br />
OK. Pictures! Bwaahaha! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric O'Flaherty :)<br />
(I look like I'm up to something...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD16A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD16A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hehehe, Jonny's trying to get out of the way of my pic with Brooksy<br />
<3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD16B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD16B.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks Conrad is all grins!<br />
(Jonny succeeded, sort of, in ducking out of the way...)<br />
(I look 12, wtf)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD17.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Alert: Susan with Jose Constanza<br />
(so adorable I want to barf ^_^)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/BFFD18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose Constanza! (I love how happy he always is!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for taking those photos, Lowen! <br />
<br />
I did not go on the free tour because I wanted to leave the oppressive heat for some air conditioning. I am a delicate flower, y’all. I wilt in the heat, and I throw “like a girl.” (The heat this is actually somewhat of an issue. I hate the heat; I do not handle it well. I do not like the sun. My tan does not indicate that these things are true. Thanks, Braves, for luring me out of my cave to be in the sun and get some vitamin D.) <br />
<br />
Overall it was a fun experience. My girls and I hung out and “played baseball.” The players were all ultra nice. But I think my conclusion would be this: I’m not sure I would go to another Family Event. The kids were pretty cute. But I’m a single chick at said “family event.” Which, honestly, really meant, “Kids event with lots of chaperones.” So of course they got all the attention and instruction. Again, it’s fine to give kids a little extra, but hey… us single ladies (and guys) paid for this as well, so of course, we’d also like a fair share of instruction. That just didn’t happen. By all means, give the kids extra, but please make sure that the rest of us at least have a turn too. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/SEP03%20BFFD/" target="_blank">Photobucket link for mediocre photos</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/09/2011-braves-family-field-day.html" target="_blank">Lauren’s post is over at Braves Love</a>. Be sure to give it a read for a different perspective (hint: there are more pictures. I gave up bothering) (yes I’m sure you’ve actually already read it shut up). <br />
<br />
Aaaaaaaaaaand I’ll try to crank out a few more posts soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-92211610613394202872011-10-13T00:14:00.000-04:002011-10-13T00:14:11.569-04:00Premature Baseball CountdownsPlease note the sidebar.<br />
<br />
That's right. I already have countdowns to AWESOMENESS in 2012.<br />
<br />
And let me tell you, I cannot wait.<br />
<br />
Behold, readers, the <a href="http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/schedule/sortable.jsp?c_id=atl&year=2012">Atlanta Braves 2012 Regular Season Schedule</a>!<br />
(Also note the <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/schedule/sortable.jsp?c_id=tor&year=2012">Blue Jays 2012 Regular Season Schedule</a>.)<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so excited. <br />
<br />
April 5, April 13, June 8-9, September 4...<br />
<br />
I cannot wait until the Boys of Summer are back, and this time around, they're going to drive us full throttle into October.<br />
<br />
<br />
I also have grand plans to travel to various stadiums to check out some games... especially the Marlins' new ballpark. Although... whoever made the MLB schedule this year did not take my schedule into consideration. The Braves do not have a single weekend series, at home or otherwise, against the Marlins in 2012. I mean, WTF. How'm I supposed to go see this thing??<br />
<br />
... BY SEEING THE BLUE JAYS PLAY THE MARLINS YAY!! :D<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-24358752721633612592011-10-05T23:30:00.000-04:002011-10-05T23:33:06.763-04:00Good-Bye Birthday Buddy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/JordanSmile.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="374" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan Schafer: batting practice, 30 JUL 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Do you see this picture? I took this picture the day before my baby was traded. <br />
<br />
(Anonymous Snarky Internet Moron: “Aly, just how many babies do you have?” Me: “What exactly are you trying to accomplish by asking me this question?”) <br />
<br />
On July 31, 2011, the Atlanta Braves traded Jordan Schafer, Brett Oberholtzer, Paul Clemens, and Juan Abreu for Michael Bourn. Last year, I would have made a post when I got the tingling sensation that I call my Spidey Sense; usually these posts would be about why we SHOULDN’T trade my boys. I sense trades, you know (I called the Yunel, Gregor, and Omar trades). This year, I’ve been so distracted, that I didn’t say anything. But I knew, y’all. That sinking feeling of dread. But I just kept hoping… <br />
<br />
I was really looking forward to celebrating my birthday with a Brave, you know. And I waited for 2 years so that it could finally happen. <br />
<br />
Frank Wren clearly hates me. <br />
<br />
I found out, by the way, when I got up to go to the game that morning (I got up early, with every intention of going to BP… I did not end up going to BP). Poor Jordie was so sad. You know he wanted to be a Brave (and honestly? Who DOESN’T want to be a Brave? The ones that don’t are not fit to don a Braves uniform, hmmph!). <br />
<br />
Wish you the best, my darling Birthday Buddy. Light Houston afire with your blistering speed, your ridiculous arm, flat-brim hat, and awesome tats. <br />
<br />
<br />
Love, Aly. <br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. I’m sure by now, everybody and their great aunt and their cousin’s step-uncle’s grandchild knows about Jordan’s legal issues. Which saves me the trouble of having to discuss it here. I’m just writing here, in case my Birthday Buddy ever reads this, that I’m not going to be judge-y or discuss this any further than this post right here. I don’t care what anybody thinks. If they choose to judge you, that’s their problem. You’re still my birthday buddy, and I still miss your hat and socks and tattoos and catches in our outfield. There. <br />
<br />
P.P.S. No, I do not care what you (negatively) think about my birthday buddy. So don’t bother telling me YOUR opinion about what is going on with him; I’m not interested. You have the rest of the Internet to blab. I’ll just delete it here. So go waste your time elsewhere. That is all. <br />
<br />
P.P.P.S. I am slowly finishing all of my 20 unfinished posts, and also writing new posts. This is what I will do for the next 6 months… reliving the 2011 Regular Season. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-50407574229458122032011-09-28T17:08:00.001-04:002011-09-28T17:08:36.948-04:00Best Fans in BaseballThe last series of the season, and I am embarrassed to consider myself part of “Braves Country.” Actually, right now, I’m going to say I am NOT part of Braves Country, because I am NOT impressed with the fans who populate Braves Country.<br />
<br />
The last couple of days have been rampant with “boos.” Oh, it’s the Phillies fans, you say. They boo anyone and anything, you say.<br />
<br />
I think Braves fans need to take a look at themselves before they make such claims anymore. I don’t care if Phillies fans freakin’ boo the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. That’s better than OUR OWN FANS BOOING OUR OWN BOYS. What is WRONG WITH YOU?<br />
<br />
Did Derek Lowe pitch poorly yesterday? Yes. Does that mean you boo him? No. Because in spite of being displeased with his performance, we still have 8 other guys on that field, and 31 other guys in the dugout and in the bullpen, and they need to be cheered on; we’re still trying to pull out a W here, aren’t we? To them, it doesn’t make any difference that YOU are booing specifically Derek Lowe. To them, it sounds like you are BOOING one of THEIR boys, and you may as well be booing THEM.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-62343878935393870992011-09-13T13:40:00.000-04:002011-09-14T00:26:57.988-04:00To Infante and Beyond!All right, so I didn't come up with that... These people did:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNZB_bGhWOuPH2TH5O5tzZ0ZtSZqLCxDGt5pAi3eLSYM2FxN_-6DH30lBcTuI8pA1J6RqIIwujXQeMh8j-HFfz7fsFsaYa42r1x_9Tn1xhheEcdXhBFKotkQZEMXLihon6UBY1ZQXqukI/s1600/InfanteAndBeyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNZB_bGhWOuPH2TH5O5tzZ0ZtSZqLCxDGt5pAi3eLSYM2FxN_-6DH30lBcTuI8pA1J6RqIIwujXQeMh8j-HFfz7fsFsaYa42r1x_9Tn1xhheEcdXhBFKotkQZEMXLihon6UBY1ZQXqukI/s320/InfanteAndBeyond.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 29, 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Needless to say, though, Omar Infante is amazing. All you stat-heads out there? I don't give a flying *expletive deleted* what you have to say or what numbers you try to throw my way. I can read and analyze just as well as you can... hell, I even know how to do the maths and all the economics of baseball. Imagine that. But I don't give a damn. Omar Infante is amazing and there is pretty much nothing you can possibly say that will ever change my mind. Don't tell me how to be a fan, jerks. (As you can see, I've had problems with this.)<br />
<br />
So, clearly, this is going to be an Ode to Omar post. If you don't like Omar Infante, I'd stop reading now. Also, I'm surprised you would even be here, actually... considering my inordinate love of Braves (or former Braves... or non-Braves) of Venezuelan descent. <br />
<br />
One more note before I begin... Yes, I will post Braves and Blue Jays related things soon. I've been having issues with 1) my camera's memory cards, 2) my computer's hard drive, and 3) my stupid Internet. But I've gotten several game day posts half-written, with pictures that need to be inserted and captioned, and properly uploaded. Now... onwards!<br />
<br />
How about some recent clips of Omar being fantastic? I vote Yes.<br />
<br />
Five ribbies against the Pirates (9/9)? Sure, why not.<br />
<br />
<object width="400" height="254"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
Omar: <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18995357">Yeah, I guess I'll start things off here... someone's gotta get on the board first. May as well be me.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object width="400" height="254"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18997445&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18997445&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
Omar: <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18997445">19 doubles? Let's make that a nice round even 20, shall we? Oh, and was that another RBI?</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="254" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=19000141&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />
<param name="scale" value="noscale" />
<param name="salign" value="tl" />
<embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=19000141&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
Omar: <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19000141">I think I am going to go for a few more RBIs now... PS, thanks Pirates outfielder!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
How about a couple double plays against the Phillies on my birthday (9/4)? You know it!<br />
<br />
<object height="254" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18816145&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />
<param name="scale" value="noscale" />
<param name="salign" value="tl" />
<embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18816145&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
Omar: <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18816145&topic_id=&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_18816145&v=3">SIT DOWN RUIZ AND VALDEZ!!</a><br />
<br />
<object height="254" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18812105&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />
<param name="scale" value="noscale" />
<param name="salign" value="tl" />
<embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18812105&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
Omar: <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18812105">SIT DOWN VICTORINO AND MARTINEZ!!</a><br />
How about some photos? I love Omar photos, don't you?? (The correct answer is "Yes!") Unfortunately, that will have to wait a bit, as I will have to search the archives for particularly fantastic Omar Infante shots. But these will be posted as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I leave you with this gem. <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18996869">Neat freak.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="254" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18996869&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />
<param name="scale" value="noscale" />
<param name="salign" value="tl" />
<embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=18996869&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Edit 9/13: I see that some of the video links appear to be black boxes rather than videos. I will see what I can do to fix it, soon. Not much I can do, though, I'm afraid, other than go re-find all of the videos I liked and post the link straight to the MLB page. I will get on that when I get off of work, as my lunch break is just about to end. Thanks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-48624488167506106062011-06-23T00:01:00.007-04:002011-06-24T22:58:35.259-04:00The Perfect Storm of Baseball Fandom<div style="text-align: left;">I think I've mentioned before that I started a new job not too long ago, and I've been experiencing a great amount of fatigue lately. A friend suggested that I'm in the "Jet-Lag" period of the job. I doubt it, but I'll go with it for the time being, because that explains why I haven't posted much in the blog as of late. Your girl is TIRED.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And for the series that the Braves just concluded with the Blue Jays, which I had been looking forward to ALL YEAR (pretty much as soon as they announced the schedule, I put a countdown on my blog), I had planned a series of "essays" to write to kick off the whole thing. I even made notes! Talking about Adam Lind, Joey Bats and his Bautista Bombs, my precious Yunel Escobar, Magic Man Johnny Mac--Prime Minister of Defence, Aaron Hill (because even if YOU don't love him, I DO), Rzep, Jon Rauch, etc. I had lists! Links! Photo examples!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">... But the series is over. And I'm still going to talk about those things, but less in an "introductory" sense, and more of an "And in conclusion, the Blue Jays are still rad even though they were swept by the Braves." After I finish editing my 3000+ pictures. Sigh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hat tip to one of my first readers, Parker (Blue Jays fan represent!!), for naming this post for me. Thanks!! You're awesome.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, Braves readers, I still love the Braves. Obviously. And no, I won't take any of your shit for not rooting for the Braves completely during this series. Because I don't care what your opinion is on that subject. I love who I love, and that's that. (Thanks to Lauren T. and Eric for both reassuring me that my guilt is unfounded and silly. Also, once again, thanks to Parker for straight up telling me to root for the Jays. ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Right. So I obviously don't have my gazillion photos edited yet. But I have a few pictures of "loot." Wanna see? Sure you do!</div><br />
Firstly, I took this photo:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/aIMG_5473800x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/aIMG_5473800x533.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yunel Escobar, BAMF. 6/20/11</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is clearly the best photo I've ever snapped of Yunel Escobar... or of anybody, really. And I cannot believe I got that shot, that I caught him in midair, with that shadow, about to fire the ball, smirking. Me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/">Lauren T.</a> was kind enough to print a copy for me so that I could get it signed. But I'm useless when it comes to stuff like this sometimes. I can't yell, I am too flummoxed and shy. But uh, when I get to sit front row next to the visiting dugout on the last day they're in town? Girl is on a mission. And that mission is to find an excuse to say hi to my other favorite favourites (that wasn't a typo).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thus, fueled by my new-found courage-of-sorts, and with the rather quiet Lauren O. egging me on (instigator Lauren T. wasn't present, sad), I went to go grin like an idiot at my Northerly boys, Eddie-ball and Sharpie in hand. (Aside: I love Eddie Perez for giving me this ball. All of them. And that Sharpie, y'all. It has gotten AROUND.) The fact that I managed to speak at all (while sweat is pouring from all of my pores--not at all attractive, but what can you do? It's 1 PM in Georgia) was amazing. I'm a generally shy person, so I have a hard time talking unless someone else starts the conversation. Otherwise, I go into Waitress Mode, which I've mentioned before... somewhere. So here I am, near my other favorite team, and I'm wordless. Gross. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first Blue Jay that I saw was Marc Rzepczynski. I felt like a total tool, y'all. Some other guys asked him how to say his name, and he pronounced it for them, and I felt proud of myself that I already knew it. Then I kind of sidled over, much to L.O.'s amusement, and asked him to sign my ball. "Of course!" says he. I gushed a thank you, and he looked me in the eyes with a smile and said, "No problem" before he walked away. HAPPY. And instantly regretted not asking for a picture. He's adorbz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brandon Morrow and Zach Stewart made their way over after they warmed up a bit, and I managed to very normally ask if they would sign my ball, and take a picture with me (my wits were more about me this time around, you see). ZS was WAY nice about it and his eyes are very pretty. And Brandon Morrow? Can you say gorgeous? Yes. I felt like a TOOL. And my pic with him is ugly. As in I'm gross, and he's beautiful. SIGH. (PS--L.O., I'm not saying anything about your photographing abilities... I'm mostly concerned with my crazed expressions and general sweatiness and bad posture and all-around awkward limbs... sigh. Why can't I just pose normally??)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31102640x495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31102640x495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curly (and New) Zach Stewart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31152495x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31152495x640.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to be Awkward in a Photo with Brandon Morrow<br />
Example 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS- Lauren T.: THIS is what "GET OFF" actually looks like. Your supposed "get off" picture is pretty much the opposite. Ugh. I look like I'm trying to push him off. I wasn't. :P</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">AND THEN. JOSE. FREAKIN'. BAUTISTA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was SWARMED y'all. My new friend Neil (from Kitchener, ON) and I were the only ones wearing Jays gear. Oh, yes. I broke out my Jays hat for this game, that's right. I was not messin' around. So, Joey Bats was trying to sign a kid's ball, and the pen didn't work, so I gave him my Sharpie to use. He signed my ball after that. And I told him he was amazing, and he smiled and said, "Thank you." I never said I was a conversationalist, y'all. I got out of the way, so that other people could get their stuff signed, and then everybody left, and he had a really long conversation in Spanish with someone... and then I asked if I could get a pic with him, and he was like, "I can't..." when he saw how many people started coming back. "I've gotta go back down, I'm sorry." And he smiled apologetically.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31322640x481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31322640x481.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In-Depth conversation here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point, Lauren said how attractive Joey Bats is. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later, a couple Jays started slowly coming back up into the dugout (AaronHill and Mike McCoy). Some guy started shouting at Mike McCoy and then these little boys showed up, calling for AaronHill. ("Mr. Hill!! Mr. Hill! Mr. Hillllll!!!!") So I popped up and went to get my ball signed too. I mean, really. He was RIGHT there. I told him that he's great, and that I hoped the Jays won. (SO creative, I know. Shoot me.) Then the kid behind me asked if he (AaronHill) like his (the kid's) hair. AaronHill looked confused for a sec until the boy's mom turned him around; the kid had gotten a #2 buzzed into the back of his head! AH cracked a smiled at that, and then laughed. "That's great!" he said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31362640x479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31362640x479.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: I am the only adult here. /groan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, check it out!! My Blue Jays autographs on my Eddie-ball!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3159640x426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3159640x426.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Morrow (#23)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3156640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3156640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marc Rzepczynski #34<br />
Zach Stewart #56<br />
JOSE BAUTISTA #19</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Aside: Look at how considerate they were to keep all their signatures all lined up! (Even though there was SO much space. Morrow (above) and Hill (below) totally found white space to sign. (I didn't include Rzep, because he signed first.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3158640x426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3158640x426.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Hill #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">AND THEN! Yunel came out of the dugout (with the starting lineup) to do pre-game warmups. L.O. is quiet. And more shy than me. And I told her I'd yell at Yunel for her. So as soon as he ran out, I yelled, "Yunel!!" He looked back, saw Lauren (waving her Escobar #19 Braves jersey) and me, smiled, and motioned "later." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sure enough, he came back and signed my pretty picture and Lauren's jersey. And grinned at us both. I could just die!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, because of this, I missed JoJo and JP Arencibia coming in from the bullpen and back to the dugout. And I missed Adam Lind. And Johnny Mac. But... you know what? That's ok. Because Yunel Escobar signed my picture of him! :D Lauren and I, btw, were both stunned by how massive Yunel is (even though we knew), but you know, then he's right there, looking at you in your face... and you are simply struck. He's a big dude! And we failed to do the following: 1) ask for pictures, DUH. Giant gorgeous man, standing mere inches from us, and we don't ask for pictures? Ugh. Just shoot me. Seriously. And 2) forgot to tell him to whistle during Chipper's at-bats to annoy him. :D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3155.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUNEL ESCOBAR #5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look how big and loopy his autograph is! LOVE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK. Here are some teaser pics from Game 3 of the Braves/Blue Jays series: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3153640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_3153640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31502800x449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31502800x449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31422640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31422640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31222640x457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_31222640x457.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate McLouth + Jose Bautista converse in Spanish. AWESOME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_30912457x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_30912457x640.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_30982640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/Perfect%20Storm%20of%20Baseball%20Fandom/IMG_30982640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More to come soon. No procrastinating on these, for sure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-23419627849347024592011-06-14T23:09:00.000-04:002011-06-14T23:09:42.676-04:00I'm Still AliveHi there. I'm still alive. I don't have anything new (as far as photos, etc.) to post at the moment... Not done editing. I've been extremely busy... AT MY NEW JOB!!<br />
<br />
I'm still in the adjustment period, fighting insomnia, sheer exhaustion, and apprehension (of doing something terribly wrong at work)... which leaves little time for blogging, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
But there WILL be posts! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to do proper gameday posts for the ones that I'm already behind on. However, since my computer has finally started to behave again, i should be able to at least edit them and upload them to Photobucket. I'll pull my 2-3 favorites from each album, and just make a giant post. Ok? Ok.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-61749228243560236972011-06-01T16:09:00.000-04:002011-08-23T20:15:35.110-04:00I Still Miss Gregor BlancoIt's four in the morning, and I've been having an extremely hard time getting back to sleep. This happens on occasion, and it really can't be helped. I tried to read, but I should know better than to read the Internet if I want to get back to sleep. And yet, somehow, I still manage to ignore that knowledge. Many sleepless hours have been wasted reading Wikipedia.<br />
<br />
The point is, I read <a href="http://www.thescore.com/buzz/articles/141383-wtf-gravity-defying-bat?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheScoreBuzz+%28The+Score+Buzz%29" target="_blank">this post</a> by <a href="http://bit.ly/jLklxn" target="_blank">Andrew Stoeten</a>. <strike>It features a video of Gregor Blanco's bat flip... you know, the one that landed standing up.</strike> It featured a video of someone wearing #1 which made me think of Gregor Blanco. It made me really upset. Way more upset than a normal person should be over a baseball player's trade. This happened almost a year ago, Aly. Time to get over it, now.<br />
<br />
Sorry. Not going to happen. I'm not a normal person. I'm an avid fan, as friend Jennifer would say, and I really adored Gregor Blanco. I don't care if he DID talk to the media with some attitude regarding his belonging in the Majors instead of the Minors. I don't care that the Braves don't keep "troublemakers" around. If his mouthing off was a problem, then I could go on a tirade about why half the team should already be traded away. It was a stupid trade and complete bs, plain and simple. He proved time and again how much he could contribute, and he proved that he was more than capable and good enough to be in the majors. The hustle. The speed. The plain GETTING ON BASE. And yet, that didn't matter. Because he mouthed off a little, a WHILE ago. I don't buy it. <br />
<br />
Anyway. Back to why I'm still awake. I read Andrew Stoeten's post and watched that bat flip video, and, really, at this hour, I obviously do not have full possession of faculties. Or, at least, rationality. I was seized with a sudden urge to watch videos of one of my favorite Braves, Gregor Blanco. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Fact: It is completely irrational to be upset over a worthless trade at 4:35 AM almost a year later.<br />
</li>
<li>Fact: Insomnia does not lead to reason; it leads to being lost in confusion.<br />
</li>
<li>Fact: I don't care if you don't care, as long as he doesn't go.</li>
</ul>
All right. Now that I've gotten my embarrassingly bad attempt at working the Cardigans into this post out of the way, I'll move on with my point. The point being: I miss Gregor Blanco, damnit. And this isn't one of my usual "I Heart Venezuelans" sentimentality. This is a legitimate gripe. I've loved him since he was a rookie in 2008. And watching video highlights of him as a Brave? Not a very good cure to insomnia. See, kids? This is what reading [the Internet] gets you. Instead of gaining any useful knowledge that could help you make use of your time productively, you stay up until 5 AM mourning the loss of a favorite player because somebody on the Internet <strike>wrote something about a bat flip</strike> posted something that reminded me of Greg White. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 602px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="middle" width="300"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-29.jpg"><img alt="blog 29" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-29_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="blog 29" width="183" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/MattE-Gregor.jpg"><img alt="MattE Gregor" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/MattE-Gregor_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="MattE Gregor" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-33.jpg"><img alt="blog 33" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-33_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="blog 33" width="183" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-38.jpg"><img alt="blog 38" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-38_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="blog 38" width="206" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-18.jpg"><img alt="blog 18" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/I-Still-Miss-Gregor-Blanco_4328/blog-18_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="blog 18" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
I couldn’t find a good clip of the bat flip, so you’ll just have to do with the clip that is posted on the ScoreBuzz. <b>Edit: It appears that the bat flipper is Tony Pena, Jr.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Edit (08/23): The actual bat-flipper is not Tony Pena, Jr. nor is it Gregor Blanco. Instead, it is Gregor's fellow countryman... you guessed it. <i>Martín Prado</i>. How could I forget this?!?! I am a terrible fan.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Otherwise, here are some nice Gregor highlights/pictures:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://atmlb.com/ktljKj" target="_blank">Hustling bunt hit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://atmlb.com/iIuw2B" target="_blank">RBI single (another bunt!)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://atmlb.com/jzo1TS" target="_blank">Great catch</a></li>
<li><a href="http://atmlb.com/jNu2ph" target="_blank">Another great snag</a></li>
<li>from <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/kaotate">@kaotate from Twitter</a>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3413020/gregor_blanco_2003_02.JPG (Thanks for sharing, Tate!)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
That’s all for now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-30828185104750430102011-05-25T20:37:00.000-04:002011-05-25T20:37:55.430-04:00Baseball with Mom<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In the past few months, it seems that I have managed to infect my mother with the baseball bug. This has led to several hilarious (and occasionally infuriating) remarks about the games. Let me just put out there that my mother is not a conventional sports fan, and she does not really know baseball. The sport that she does watch on a regular basis and know pretty well is tennis. Personally, I think watching tennis on television is probably one of the most boring things in the world. And it's not like the commentary is going to set you on fire with excitement either. (She has also taken an interest in the NBA playoffs. ...Much to the delight and chagrin of my brothers, in much the similar fashion as myself. She thinks that Jamal Crawford is adorable because he looks alert like an owl, and agrees with me that Al Horford is mega cute.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mom, when watching baseball, doesn't really believe that the pitchers actually know what they're doing. She doesn't think that they actually KNOW where the pitches are going to go, or that they MEAN to locate a ball somewhere. And, in some cases, she is definitely right. My dad and I had to explain to her that it's like taking shots at a basketball hoop; you don't throw and just hope it goes in (well, maybe). You practice your accuracy, and use that accuracy to score points in order to help your team win. Of course, that explanation did not fly during some of our more annoying losses. "See? They don't know what they're doing. They're just throwing and hoping for the best." And in those cases, it was really hard to argue with her... because she was sort of right. Which was infuriating. (For those of you interested in the cultural aspect of this in a literary sense, there is a chapter in The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan which talks about chess strategy. It's a similar situation, and Amy Tan is a better writer than I am... especially since this is just a blog post.)</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, it's summer break and I'm job searching, and my mother relaxing at home for the time being... and what is better than watching baseball. Seriously. Not even a question. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTE:</b> Please keep in mind that most of these conversation snippets that I'm about to relate are translated (poorly) from Chinese, and as a result, there is always a bit of something lost in translation. Also, I'm simply not a professional interpreter, even if I am fluent in both English and in Chinese. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Before I get started though, I want to say a few things about her observations. I don't want anybody to get offended or be appalled when these comments are taken out of context of the culture in which she grew up and in which I was raised. Some things, which would be perceived as insults in American culture are not necessarily insults in our culture... more like good-natured ribbing. Also, my mom's English is quite good, but she forgets where to add S's and when to NOT add S's. She also sometimes reverts to using Chinese grammar rules with English, which doesn't work very well. It's a little bit harder for her to code-switch that it is for me. And yes, she can pronounce her P's, T's, L's, and R's, and I'm phonetically exaggerating her accent (she does have one) for comedic effect. And articles (like "a" and "the").</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Birthday buddy Jordan Schafer was the lead off batter today [25MAY2011: @Pirates, Minor vs. McDonald] , and my mom just LOVED him. "</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">他好</span><span style="color: black;">cute</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">喔</span><span style="color: black;">! </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">像小孩子一樣</span><span style="color: black;">. </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">他怎麼那麼小啊</span><span style="color: black;">? </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">打棒球要幾歲才能打</span><span style="color: black;">?" [He's so cute! Like a child. How is he so small? How old do you have to be to play baseball?]</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"He's, like, 24, Mama."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"He look like fourdeen."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Gonzo was up to bat, and I mentioned that I loved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What, who?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Him??”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Yes, #2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s so awesome.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“But his face is so chubby.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Later:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is he really that good?”, skeptically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad had not been impressed with Gonzo the last few games he actually watched, and he was vocal about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom heard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(He singles.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“All right, pretty good.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Chipper Jones is “ChippaJone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“Is that Ah-glah?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Birthday Buddy again:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">真的像小孩子一樣</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">好小</span><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">好可愛喔</span><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">他的</span><span style="color: black;">helmet</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">怎麼那麼大</span><span style="color: black;">? </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">頭好小喔</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Really looks like a little kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is his helmet so big?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head is small.]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Freddie’s double:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">只跑到第</span><span style="color: black;">2</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">壘而已</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">這個人跑得有一點慢</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">因為他太肥了</span><span style="color: black;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">這第</span><span style="color: black;">4</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">號的比較搜</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">可能跑得比較快</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Only to second?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This guy runs a little slow, because he’s too fat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This #4 is skinny, he probably runs faster.]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On He-man’s homer (specifically the bat drop, the slow strut before the home run trot):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">好噁心喔</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">你看他</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">好了不起的樣子</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[This is hard to translate without the correct context (i.e. how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> use it), so I’m going to just do my best and give the so-called American equivalent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amused, complete with a smirk:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acting like he’s all amazing and big and bad.”]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to interject at this point and tell you that the players my mother thinks are cute, adorable, or good-looking up to this point:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jordan Schafer (obviously), Brandon Beachy (“Oh, this one has a good face”), Eric O’Flaherty, Joe Mather (“Yeah, he’s pretty good-looking”), etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Eric O’Flaherty:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, 2-2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strahck heem out!”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Close-up of EOF’s face:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, yeah, he’s cute.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cut to JJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, not him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Nudges me, giggling about Schafer’s baserunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">你看</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">你看</span><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look like teen-ager!” [Look, look!]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">About a Pirates reliever’s pitch:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Looks a leetle beet high.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon the replay, sagely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strike.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Chipper Jones’ swinging strike:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">哎呀</span><span style="color: black;">. ChippaJone </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">好像在隨隨便便</span><span style="color: black;">.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Chipper doesn’t look like he’s even trying.]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Chipper Jones’ called third strike:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sheeit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">至少要揮棒吧</span><span style="color: black;">!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least swing the bat!]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Jordan Schafer’s stolen base (since they initially only showed the Doumit’s throw to 3B):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“OH. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GAWD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, good.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Jonny Venters’ inning (when I made her switch it back from the early rounds of the French Open):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">不看還比較好一點</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheeit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">還</span><span style="color: black;">mistake</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">呢</span><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheeit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[It was better not to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was even a mistake!]</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“What do you think of this guy [Jonny Venters]?”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“I need to see his face.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Cut to a shot from behind, about to pitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">他是白的嗎</span><span style="color: black;">?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">怎麼那麼肥啊</span><span style="color: black;">? </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">哇</span><span style="color: black;">!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">真肥</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Is he white?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this is a non-sequitur.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s he so fat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s fat.]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Later:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“hmm. </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">他的屁股還滿好看得</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started laughing hysterically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">從後面看</span><span style="color: black;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="color: black;">還不錯</span><span style="color: black;">.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[hmm. His butt is pretty nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, look, from behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not bad.]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“A man’s butt is important, too, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man with a flat butt is really just unattractive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Yes, I got tired of typing out the Chinese.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">About Freddie’s stretch after that sick double play that Huggla and Gonzo started:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first baseman is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at that stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s like a horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freeman.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Mom was walking around when I told her, "The butt you like is back on tv."<br />
"I've seen it already."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"You don't want to watch it again?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She came back and sat down. "Hm. So perky."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">“What’s a pinch runner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does that mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They run for him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, he has nice dimples [Wilkin Ramirez].”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span>“Yeah, for Mac, because he’s kind of slow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Because he’s chubby.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">After Brooksy’s homer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This pitcher just said ‘Sheeit.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really just said ‘Sheeit’ after that pitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody [on the Pirates] just said ‘SHEEEEEIT!’”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Freddie:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s kind of cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a little bit chubby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his mouth is always open. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But cute.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Kimmie:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He pitches funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does he have to bend over like that?”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span>Later:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s got a nice face.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“But he bends so low!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that’s his style.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“His waist looks thick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His butt is too big.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“His face is so red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it so red?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Men cannot have butts that are too big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s unattractive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they can’t have NO butts, either.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Brooksy rounding the bases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at his butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goodness.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">On Rossy. “He’s so tall.”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">Do y'all have any humorous Baseball with Mom stories? Please share them in the comments. :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-60447445582793924882011-05-24T16:07:00.000-04:002011-05-24T16:07:25.763-04:0026 DaysI have a little bit of a predicament. I have been a lifelong Braves fan. And I have loved the Blue Jays for almost as long (except for in 1992). What can I say? I have always loved every aspect of Toronto. For me, "Taiwan" and "Toronto" were the lands of magic and whimsy. It meant vacation, fun times, food, and hanging out with my awesome cousins. Wait. It still means the same thing... Does this mean that I haven't grown up?<br />
<br />
Right. So. The thing is, though, I love the Blue Jays WAY more now that I ever like them when I was a child. I'm not going to lie. I pretty much love everything about the Blue Jays. I like the super-young Greek-Canadian former scout GM. I like the new manager. I like the bench coach. I love the team leader. I love the bench riding veteran. I love the young gun pitching staff. I love the Twitter usage. I love their minor league prospects. I love the former Brave. I even like their new beat writer, Gregor Chisholm (who has a GREAT name) (who isn't Jordan Bastian, now covering the Cleveland Indians). I love their die-hard bloggers, as well.<br />
<br />
And in 26 days, my wonderful Blue Jays are coming to town! Coming to town to play with my first sports love, the Atlanta Braves. The Braves and I have had a rocky relationship throughout our time together. They, like the Hawks, would break my heart over and over again. The Blue Jays, though... well. Perhaps it was the old adage "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" that kept me from feeling the same kind of turmoil. <br />
<br />
Anyway. My point here is. The Blue Jays will be in town for 3 days. And here is my predicament. I spend all year rooting for the Braves, attending Braves games, wearing Braves gear. Do I continue to do that? Or do I take these three games as an opportunity to root for my other favorite team? I never get to see them live! I saw them last year once, while I was in Toronto. We were in LF, hoping that Joey Bats would drop a bomb or 10 (the game before had been a home run derby). What we saw was a pitchers' duel and a near no-hitter, 17 Ks, and spectacular defense. Which is great, don't get me wrong... I got to see Jose Molina steal a base! And I got to see Brandon Morrow's first 1-hitter complete game shutout. And I got to witness Morrow's career high 17Ks. <br />
<br />
But I did it from the outfield. And Ryan, Andy, and I were pretty much the only ones cheering... (my brothers do not like pitchers' duels, my cousins don't like baseball, etc.)<br />
<br />
Would it be terrible of me to openly root for my other team? Who knows when I'll get to see them live again?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-75984383685714994642011-05-24T00:06:00.001-04:002011-05-24T08:27:39.832-04:00Phillies vs. Braves: Game 2 Photos & Ludacris! [14MAY2011]Throwbacks! THROWBACKS! This is what should happen every Saturday—throwbacks. I’m telling you, guys… let’s start a campaign for Saturday Throwbacks instead of Sunday Reds. Every season, there would be different throwbacks! Let’s. Do. This.<br />
<br />
I forgot to mention in the last post how much I enjoy Emily’s commentary. She didn’t necessarily recognize many of the players by sight (like Molly, Lauren, and I do), so she would ask us questions such as: “Who’s Thunder Thighs out there?” or “Who’s Awkward Stretching over there?” Emilyisms, y’all. I love it. Sometimes, when she was looking for a specific player, she’ll ask questions like, “Where’s my Silver Fox?” If you ask her who she likes, she’ll respond, “Oh, I like Apple Bottom.” I’ll leave it up to you guys to figure who she meant by all of that. ha! For more Emilyisms, please see <a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2010/10/thats-bad-question-next.html" target="_blank">this post</a> at Braves Love.<br />
<br />
OK, new to this blog post… I figured out how to make links open in new windows! (As in, I finally memorized the code so I don’t have to go back and forth looking… since I’m LAZY.) So the above link will open in a new window (or tab). YAY. If you don’t like that, let me know. Otherwise it’s staying, depending on how I feel. ;)<br />
<br />
All right, you’re not here to read. If you were, you would have read about <a href="http://alyheartsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/05/charlie-morton-and-his-electric-stuff.html" target="_blank">Charlie’s Electric Stuff</a> or about any other of older posts that nobody ever read. No, I know you’re here for the pictures, so here we go. Not many in-game photos… too busy with all sorts of gabbing with the girls, and I was having trouble adjusting the settings for the camera to get decent quality photos. Oh well. The ones I did get weren’t so bad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/140.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="140" height="241" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/140_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="140" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David “Beardy Rossy” Ross is all smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="144" height="270" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/144_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="144" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Molan chatting with Roger McDowell</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/146.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="146" height="270" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/146_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="146" width="379" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">… And then flashing his new pearly whites. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><br />
</div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="148" height="200" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/148_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="148" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our most excellent Jair Jurrjens warming up</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="160" height="200" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/160_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="160" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ’s so awesome, y’all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div align="center"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 601px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="246"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/156.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="156" height="260" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/156_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="156" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beardy Rossy catches… </td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="245"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="158" height="260" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/158_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="158" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throws… </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="center"></div></td> <td valign="top" width="108"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/161.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="161" height="260" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/161_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="161" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And suits up…</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 601px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="middle" width="298"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/162-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="162 (2)" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/162-2_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="162 (2)" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bye Moylo</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td> <td align="middle" width="301"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="165" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/165_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="165" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing (not really) Alex Gonzalez</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />
Moylo was going to LA for back surgery after this game, so it’d be a while before we get to see him again. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Moylo! Come back soon.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As for Gonzo, Molly has something to say:</div><blockquote>Molly : Alex Gonzalez is a freaking beast. Beast, I say! <br />
Molly: he is definitely making a point out there <br />
Molly: and the point is "I'm awesome. Take note."</blockquote>I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anybody that the Twins (not the team) love Gonzo. <br />
<br />
<br />
OK, let’s discuss JJ. <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL201105140.shtml" target="_blank">HE IS AWESOME</a>. End of discussion. Ok, fine. He pitched a solid 7 innings before running into trouble in the 8th. He singled in the 2nd inning and even drew a walk in the 6th inning!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/169.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="169" height="224" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/169_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="169" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ helping his own cause</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="173" height="215" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/173_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="173" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But then Martin grounded out… much to his obvious disappointment</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Really, though, I’m not sure why he’s making that face… he only hit a LEAD OFF HOMER in the first inning of the game. And that homer was only followed by ANOTHER homer by Mighty Mouse Nate McLouth. I mean, sheesh, Martin… go easy on yourself a little bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/182.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="182" height="224" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/182_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="182" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the “Dance for Your Dinner” contestant</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/188.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="188" height="214" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/188_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="188" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is for you, Parker…</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eric Hinske seems to have a lot of nicknames… The Dude, He-Man, and of course, Ske. He also frog stretches. :D<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/190.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="190" height="168" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/190_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="190" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You’re awesome, JJ!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/195.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="195" height="400" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/195_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="195" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J-Hey into the game at RF</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/197.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="197" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/197_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="197" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimmie, taking care of business</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So then, there was Luda. I went to go say hi to friend Angie and hang out with her and watch the concert. OH! I should mention. Molly checked Facebook during the game which offered <a href="http://on.fb.me/kwS6r7" target="_blank">free field passes</a> for the Ludacris concert… if we could be the first 20 people who found the guy. Molly was like, “Crap, this was from 20 minutes ago… should we try anyway?” Well, obviously, we did. Jess, Lauren, and Emily stayed, and we ran off to find these passes… and we got them! But only two. By the time the other girls got up there, the passes were all gone. We ended up giving our passes away. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="201" height="225" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/201_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LUDACRIS</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="202" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/202_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="202" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Hospitality…</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="203" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/203_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="203" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Khaled & Ludacris: All I do is win, win, win…</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="208" height="169" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/208_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="208" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How low can you go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/216.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="216" height="169" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/216_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;" title="216" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What’s your fantasy?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="217" height="225" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/df49b80153c9_28DF/217_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="217" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jermaine Dupri & Ludacris: Welcome to Atlanta, where the playas play</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Note:</b> </i>The captions are not necessarily the songs he was performing at the time the photo was taken… but that’s what I decided to caption them with anyway. </span><br />
<br />
Can I just say that I am so so so glad that my twin Molly came all the way from Alabama? Also, can we please make a note that Jess is awesome? And we missed Cori (A.B. got to come in a pitch, too!). Emily is hilarity and adorableness personified. And of course, hurray for my Braves bestie, "Lowen." <br />
<br />
LINKS:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://bit.ly/iXIT08" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Batting practice photos</span></a></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/MAY14%20vs%20Phillies%20-%20Ludacris/" target="_blank">Photobucket album</a> </span>(nota bene: I will be adding more pictures soon... my computer is acting up, which is making photo-editing a pain...)</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/05/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-phillies-5.html" target="_blank">Braves Love’s corresponding post</a></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Be sure to "like" Aly ♥ Baseball on the Facebook. You can either do that on the sidebar or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlyHeartsBaseballBlog">the page itself</a>. I'm thinking about uploading the photos onto Facebook so that I can just write a game day post, link to the album, and people can comment and like the photos directly. What do you think?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-20941076128726181722011-05-20T18:38:00.003-04:002011-05-20T19:14:54.860-04:00Phillies vs. Braves: Game 2 Batting Practice! [14MAY2011]All right. This is an out-of-chronological order post, but whatever. And yes, I AM still working on the other million posts and editing the other bajillion photos. But those can wait for just a little bit longer. <br />
<br />
This was one of the games of the Civil Rights Weekend series. And it a great one. Their Joe Blanton (that Lauren loves) and our Jair Jurrjens (that Molly and Laura super love). So our Party of Five girls included: Lauren, her cousin Emily, Molly, her friend Jess (love her!), and me. Molly and Jessica got up early, early, early, and drove all the way to the Ted from Alabama in order to make batting practice. Those are true Braves fans, right there.<br />
<br />
JJ (much to Molly’s delight) was starting that day, and it had slipped the minds of both Lauren and I that because of this, Rossy would be starting, too. This “new” development elicited a reaction of glee (we LOVE Beardy Rossy), much to the chagrin of Jess, who loves BMac. I think, though, as the game went on, we may have made Jess a little bit of a Rossy fan, too. [Though, I just want to note, we all love Mac, too.]<br />
<br />
I know that there has been a lot of text, and most of you don’t care, you just want photos, so here we go. Parker requested some Eric Hinske photos, and since he was the only one that commented on my last post, I’ll start with Ske.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="014" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/014_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="014" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braves’ resident He-Man, Eric Hinske</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Yes, the Dude is thriving here in Atlanta quite well. While he might not play every day, he makes it his business to make it a difficult decision to remove him from the lineup. [In 31 games played, 63 at-bats, Ske is hitting .349 with 22 hits, 4 of which are homers. Check Baseball Reference for more stats… needless to say, He-Man’s off to a good start.] And don’t worry, Parker, I DO have more Hinske pictures.<br />
<br />
Back to text. When we got into Turner Field, THEY GAVE US ATLANTA BLACK CRACKER HATS! I love it. And it actually fits on my head, and I don’t look weird! Lauren took a picture of it.<br />
We decided to sit closer to the home bullpen (RF) instead of left centerfield (as usual) because the team wasn’t really out yet. I announced to everybody in our group that if Prado comes out to the OF though, that I was moving. Here is the first thing I saw in RF:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="001" height="199" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/001_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="001" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nice hair."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Seriously. Why is that a good idea?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 425px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="218"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/006.jpg"><img alt="006" height="250" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/006_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="006" width="178" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="205"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/021.jpg"><img alt="021" height="250" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/021_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="021" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="218"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Freddie Freeman!</span></div></td> <td valign="top" width="205"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Brooks Conrad!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
I like watching baseball players throw baseballs. Look at the way both players stand! The mechanics of a throw are very interesting to me. Oh! Also, this was awesome. Brooksy demonstrated several ways of fielding a ball given different situations while a coach watched. And then you saw the coach making suggestions or motions. This is the kind of thing I like to see when I’m at BP. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 639px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="302"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/013.jpg"><img alt="013" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/013_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="013" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/021.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="335"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/017.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/017.jpg"><img alt="017" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/017_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="017" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="302"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Eddie Perez is a funny guy</span></td> <td valign="top" width="335"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">BEARDY ROSSY</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br />
Two of our comedians/hams. :)<br />
I don't know why the next two photos REFUSE TO BE CENTERED</div><div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 469px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="221"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> </a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/024.jpg"><img alt="024" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/024_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="024" width="201" /></a></div></td> <td valign="top" width="246"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> </a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/025.jpg"><img alt="025" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/025_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="025" width="226" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="221"><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Back-up SS Diory Hernandez</span></div></td> <td valign="top" width="246"><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">George Sherrill + Cristhian Martinez</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">They’re about to high five!</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 236px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/031.jpg"><img alt="031" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/031_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="031" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Uggla: In Search of a Nickname</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>I need input here.</u></span></em></strong> What do we call Dan Uggla? “Popeye” because of his swoll arms? “Love Barrel” because he’s compact, knows how to wear a uniform, and barrels down the basepaths? Or, my personal favorite (I’m so proud of myself for this), “Huggla” because of all of the above and you want to hug him? I guess we COULD just go with “Danny” or “Danny Boy.” ;P</div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/033.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="033" height="168" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/033_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="033" width="300" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/047.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="047" height="168" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/047_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="047" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">JOE MATHER</span></td> <td valign="top" width="200"></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div align="left"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
So my friend Christianna (Chris for short) and I share a fondness for lanky Joe Mather. Please note that I haven’t spotted any gross tobacco tins in his pockets. And yes, I do have pictures of his face (in profile mostly), but I sit in the outfield during BP, gimme a break.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div><div align="left"><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div align="left"><div style="text-align: left;">Is this too many BP pictures? TOO BAD. THERE’S MORE.<br />
<br />
</div></div><div align="left"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div align="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/044.jpg"><img alt="044" height="180" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/044_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="044" width="320" /></a></span></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/045.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="045" height="180" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/045_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="045" width="269" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Marteen taking BP</span></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Kimmie’s getting that grounder!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="221"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/053.jpg"><img alt="053" height="215" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/053_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="053" width="287" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="179"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/060.jpg"><img alt="060" height="214" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/060_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="060" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="221"></td> <td valign="top" width="179"></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
Yes, you are seeing that correctly. Eddie Perez does indeed have a bat in his back pocket. Not a ball. Not a water bottle. Not batting gloves. No. A bat. Discuss amongst yourselves. Be sure to either include me in the conversation or at least CC me. Thanks.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
I’m finally done with Braves BP. There are a ton more pictures I wanted to talk about, but there’s still Phillies BP, the game, and the Ludacris concert! Plus there are some different stories at Lauren’s blog… and you can always email me if you find a funny picture and you want to know if there’s a story behind it. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/065.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="065" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/065_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="065" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris Medlen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left">Let’s just leave Braves BP behind with a little Meds love. We love you, Kris Medlen. Come back soon… and please get back on Twitter. It’s not the same without you. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Phillies BP. I essentially ONLY took photos of Roy Halladay, Kyle Kendrick, Cliff Lee, and Antonio Bastardo. If there are Phillies fans here looking for other Phillies players, you’re out of luck. And if you’re a Braves fan who hates those guys, well… You’re out of luck, too. Because I adore them. Blue Jays fans? Here’s our Doc mentoring a young pitcher!<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="text-align: center; width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/077.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="077" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/077_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="077" width="206" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/080.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="080" height="275" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/080_thumb.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="080" width="197" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Roy Halladay + Kyle Kendrick</span></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cliff Lee + Kyle Kendrick</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
Can we discuss this giant grin on the good Doctor’s face? I adore him. Kyle Kendrick basically picked Doc’s brain the whole time at batting practice. It was neat to watch them interact. What a lucky guy he is. Not only is Roy Halladay one of his mentors, but his OTHER mentor is known Yankee-killer Cliff Lee. Are you kidding me? I mean, there he is, picking Cliff Lee’s brain, too. (Yes, I took many pictures to record this.)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
Also, I would like to note that in Lauren’s post, she claims that I love Doc and she loves Cliff Lee. I would like to state, for the record, that I also love Cliff Lee. A lot. But not as much as I love Doc. And I’m not sure either of us loves Cliff Lee as much as my friend Steph, who is a huge Indians fan…<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/098.jpg"><img alt="098" height="200" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/098_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="098" width="280" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/102.jpg"><img alt="102" height="200" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/102_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="102" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"></td> <td valign="top" width="200"></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
<br />
Let’s take a minute to talk about Antonio Bastardo. Originally, my favorite Phillies reliever (omg, I just typed that, what’s wrong with me???) was Ryan Madson. That has now changed. This guy. This guy is where it’s at! Cori? You’re welcome. Molly, I know you got some good photos, as well! <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/112.jpg"><img alt="112" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/112_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="112" width="200" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/139.jpg"><img alt="139" height="300" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/139_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="139" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"></td> <td valign="top" width="200"></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
Ok. Now back to the teaching session.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="left"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/122.jpg"><img alt="122" height="185" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/122_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="122" width="259" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/126.jpg"><img alt="126" height="185" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Blog%20Uploads/085f96522770_D128/126_thumb.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="126" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"></td> <td valign="top" width="200"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
This is getting a little bit out of hand, don’t you think? I might’ve overdone it for one post and I tried really hard to keep it down, too! So I’m going to stop here, and I’ll get out the gameday pictures and the subsequent Ludacris concert pictures out to you soon.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />
<br />
LINKS</div><ul><li> <div align="left"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/MAY14%20vs%20Phillies%20-%20Ludacris/">Photobucket album (incomplete upload)</a></div></li>
<li> <div align="left"><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/05/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-phillies-5.html">Lauren’s post at Braves Love</a></div></li>
<li> <div align="left">Game Day & Concert post (unfinished, will post link soon)<br />
<br />
</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Note: I don't know what is going on with the formatting in this post... why some of the photos are fine being centered like they should be and why the others are shooting me the bird and telling me that they do what they want, screw you. I've been fighting with it for longer than I care to actually say, so I gave up. This is what I'm posting, and that's that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>One more note:</strong> I’m beginning to feel like a clone of Braves Love. Just wanted to mention that I’m not trying to be… obviously. And it is quite apparent that she and I run our blogs differently, since she cares more about making timely posts, and I just do it when I have time. Sometimes, though, I feel like all I ever make are game day posts because I simply don’t have time to make other posts… because I’m too busy trying to get game day posts done (in the midst of, you know, life). So I may just start making less game day posts, from now on, and more graphs, doodles, and rants. It’s a bit less stressful (for something that is supposed to be fun), and I get to work on my text a bit. Looking back on my oldest posts, I feel like I had more things to say… but not, all I seem to have to say is in a caption of a photo. This isn’t a Facebook album or Tumblr, you know?</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">What do y’all think, readers? What would YOU like to see on this blog?</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-13029513602623859962011-05-19T17:24:00.004-04:002011-05-19T23:50:36.764-04:00Charlie Morton and his Electric Stuff<blockquote><span class="sqq" style="color: #003399; font-family: inherit;">“This is my depressed stance. When you're depressed, it makes a lot of difference how you stand. The worst thing you can do is straighten up and hold your head high because then you'll start to feel better. If you're going to get any joy out of being depressed, you've got to stand like this.” -- Charlie Brown, Peanuts</span> </blockquote>Last season, this is how I felt about former Braves pitcher Charlie Morton. He looked so lost and frustrated out on that mound, and spent extended time in the Pirates minor league system after being hampered by injury. It hurt my heart. I LOVED Charlie. I was in Boston visiting a friend when I heard the news of Charlie's trade, Tom Glavine's release, and birthday buddy Jordan Schafer's demotion. But no more agonizing over Charlie any longer.<br />
<br />
Our Charlie Morton is in what the Blue Jays call "Beast Mode." Oh, yes, he is. The Pirates pitching coaches have completely restructured the way that he pitches, and are rumored to have modeled his sinker after... wait for it... Harry LeRoy Halladay III. You may know him as Doc, the ace of the rotation of aces that the Philadelphia Phillies have put together. <br />
<br />
Back to Charlie. After last season, it seemed as though poor Charlie was destined to be a mediocre or average pitcher for one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball. But then came the 2011 season. In 8 games started, Charlie Morton holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, with an ERA of 2.62, a WHIP of 1.309, with 2 complete games, 1 of which was a shutout. Wow. WOW. For comparison, his stats from his dismal 2010 season are: 17 GS, 7.57 ERA, 1.732 WHIP. His Atlanta stats are only a little better (but I still loooooooved him anyway). <br />
<br />
In the first quarter of the 2011 season, Charlie Morton has pitched his 2nd and 3rd career complete games. This 3rd career CG is also his 2nd career complete game shutout pitched yesterday, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN201105180.shtml">May 18, 2011</a>. (His first was on <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200909301.shtml">September 30, 2009</a>, against the Cubs, where he beat Ted Lilly.) Both of Charlie's complete games of the 2011season were against the Cincinnati Reds. Yes, you read that correctly, the Cincinnati Reds, home of Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, and Joey Votto. Pirates fans call Charlie Morton's repertoire "Electric Stuff" and it's easy to see why. He's turned everything around, and if he's emulating one of the best pitchers in the game today? Well. I think you can see why I love him even more now. <br />
<br />
<br />
Way to go, Charlie! No more Charlie Brown style hanging of the head for you! We miss you and your dimples in Atlanta, Charlie, and we are so glad to see you do well. I, for one (and Lauren, as well, I'm certain), cannot wait to see you back in Turner Field with MattE Diaz! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Links about how awesome Charlie is:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://rumbunter.com/2010/03/22/smells-like-charlie-morton/">http://rumbunter.com/2010/03/22/smells-like-charlie-morton/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ycn-8499693">http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ycn-8499693</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310507123">http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310507123</a></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/y-VU8CZ3MEY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-62113623284640393542011-05-13T14:24:00.002-04:002011-05-13T15:47:03.495-04:00Marlins vs. Braves: Game 3 [14APR2011]Yes, I skipped game 2 of the series… “Why, you hooligan!” you cry. “SCANDAL! SHOCK! How could you?!” Well let me remind you that I wasn’t being a bad fan: I was being a poor student. So there.<br />
<br />
Time for a photo to smooth things over:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="004" border="0" height="195" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/004_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="004" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fredi Gonzalez + He-Man Eric Hinske</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, Lauren and I went to this game together, with John and Eric joining us a little bit later. I may as well just go ahead and say this: I did not take in-game photos. Ok, that’s a lie. I did. I didn’t take any in-game photos that were worth a glance. This is the price you pay for sitting in the outfield. Unfortunately, I can’t actually take a real “super-lens” to games. That’s a moot point, though, because I can’t afford one to begin with! (Don’t you start on ending sentences with prepositions… See this face? It does not care.) But I did take <strike>excessive</strike> glorious amounts of batting practice photos. <strike>So what else is new?</strike><br />
<br />
<br />
Throwing balls!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right; width: 638px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/010_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="010" border="0" height="289" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/010_thumb_3.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="010" width="224" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="402"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/011_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="011" border="0" height="289" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/011_thumb_3.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="011" width="360" /></a><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/011_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;">"Deer Jonny" Venters</td> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" width="402">MVPrado throwing a ball to a fan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Can I just say that while I hate the sun a little bit (we are not on friendly terms, Amaterasu and I), it is fantastic for me to take action shots! I can make the shutter speed WAY high and capture awesome moments. Of course… I’m still working on getting better at capturing the moments. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="021" border="0" height="194" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/021_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="021" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Matt Young + Martín Prado</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="029" border="0" height="218" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/029_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="029" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very intently checking something out...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="030" border="0" height="604" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/030_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="030" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JC Boscan is very animatedly telling <br />
Tommy Hanson a story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="035" border="0" height="229" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/035_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="035" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">♥</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="043" border="0" height="304" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/043_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="043" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Kimbrel practicing his windup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kimmie was actually talking to the ball boy and showing him the step-by-step process, but I cropped ball boy out because I framed the shot strangely and it looked weird. Sorry, ball boy! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="045" border="0" height="229" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/045_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="045" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Moylan takes batting practice</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
What I was unable to capture was when Moylo got bored with batting and tried to give the bat back to Fredi (who had brought it out in the first place). Fredi either didn’t hear him or ignored him and Moylo was just like, “pfft. well I don’t want it!” and drops it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="047" border="0" height="218" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/047_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="047" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oddly framed, BUT! the smiles!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="048" border="0" height="229" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/048_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="048" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it, Kimmie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="054" border="0" height="218" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/054_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="054" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer Jonny acknowledges his fans (he's QUITE popular)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/056.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="056" border="0" height="304" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/056_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="056" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EOF talking to some fans</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="057" border="0" height="218" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/057_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="057" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost awesome shot, but I wasn't quick enough... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eric O’Flaherty is really just the handsomest reliever you ever did see. Admit it and get on with your life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="060" border="0" height="204" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/060_thumb.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="060" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go, Moylo!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<br />
And then Marlins BP began to overlap a little bit with Braves BP. All is well, though, because the Braves and the Marlins are friendly rivals. We have some of their boys (i.e. Fredi, Gonzo, Popeye), and they have some of ours (Omar, Javy Vazquez, Mike Dunn). Also, I like the Marlins in spite of myself… there are so many former Braves, former Blue Jays, and generally amusing and/or cute players!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 627px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;" width="193"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/062.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="062" border="0" height="259" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/062_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="062" width="173" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="225"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/064.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="064" border="0" height="259" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/064_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="064" width="174" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="207"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/066.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="066" border="0" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/066_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="066" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" width="193">LoMo</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="225">JJ</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="207"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">HUG! JJ & Anibal Sanchez</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">JJ says hi to former Braves!!! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 225px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/070.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="070" border="0" height="304" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/070_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="070" width="203" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/071.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="071" border="0" height="304" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/071_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="071" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMAR INFANTE</td> <td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/071.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 630px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/067.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="067" border="0" height="272" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/067_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="067" width="204" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="414"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/075.jpg"><img alt="075" border="0" height="272" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/075_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="075" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JAVIER VAZQUEZ</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="414"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Full on Marlins BP now:</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="076" border="0" height="229" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/076_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="076" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The facial expressions of a pitch as shown by Anibal Sanchez</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I wanted better pictures of Omar, so I talked Lauren into moving to the first base line, above the home dugout. She and I witnessed a beautiful moment, but both of us failed to capture it with the digital equipment that we haul around to every game. It's just as well, I suppose, because some moments should just be that: moments. The moment in question, by the way, was when Omar walked over to the Braves dugout with this big smile on his face, and a few seconds later, Bobby Dews' head poked out of the dugout! Bobby Dews and Omar then hugged it out. They then chatted a bit, with Bobby Dews patting Omar on the back several times. /Hallmark.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/080.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="080" border="0" height="391" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/080_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="080" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaby Sanchez and Javy Vazquez are friends!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 635px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/083.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="083" border="0" height="244" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/083_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="083" width="431" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="192"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/084.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="084" border="0" height="244" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/084_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="084" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javy Vazquez played first base for a little bit during BP</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="192"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">lights & shadows... awesome</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/086.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="086" border="0" height="204" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/086_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="086" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorite Marlins are in this photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/087.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="087" border="0" height="219" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/087_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="087" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socks Up: Giant Mike Stanton. <br />
He's not a rookie anymore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left"></div><div align="left">More pictures of former Braves!</div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 197px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/089.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="089" border="0" height="244" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/089_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="089" width="175" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="092" border="0" height="244" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/092_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="092" width="431" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Omar, cleaning up</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">MR. CLEAN MIKE DUNN!! (We miss you, Crinkly Eyes!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div style="text-align: left;">Getting ready for gametime...</div></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 411px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/093.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="093" border="0" height="259" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/093_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="093" width="389" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/096.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="096" border="0" height="259" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/096_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="096" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMac: "Yes. I know I'm awesome."</td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Brandon Beachy Neck Roll</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="100" border="0" height="229" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/100_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STRETCH, BEACHY, STRETCH!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of our usher friends, was nice enough to let us sit in his section, which was next to the bullpen. Eddie was awesome/nice as usual. See what I mean about no in-game photos? We were in the outfield! </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides. I was busy talking! Lauren introduced me to Brandon Bond, <strike>de facto</strike> <strike>unofficial</strike> tattoo artist of the MLB. Check out his tattoo studio's work--LOTS of photos (I'll include the link below). Anyway, he's a lot of fun, and he chatted with Moylo, and cheered EXTREMELY loudly. He liked my hair, which, you know, earns you, like, 50 points of "yay!" right off the bat.<br />
<br />
Also, the chicky in front of us was on a maybe date with her coworker/maybeboyfriend... she was very nice, but possibly rather intoxicated. She kept hooting at the players in the bullpen, much to my delight, and to our usher friend's chagrin. And she kept pulling down Lauren's and my shirts (Lauren's more than mine... she's got the curves, I don't). <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Um... what else? I can't remember. This is what happens when you post about games a month after you went to the game... le sigh. In my defense, I've been extremely busy!! At least I have pictures. <3<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 326px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/107.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="107" border="0" height="174" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/107_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="107" width="304" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="108" border="0" height="174" src="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/b69db09faef8_334D/108_thumb.jpg" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="108" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin + Former Blue Jay John Buck</td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Marteen tearing around the bases in a blur</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">past buddy Omar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><br />
<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/APR%2014%20vs%20Marlins/">Photobucket</a>.<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/04/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-marlins-4_17.html">Lauren’s post at Braves Love</a>.<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.allornothingtattoo.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-216">All of Nothing Tattoo ~ MLB version</a>!</li>
</ul>Thanks for reading, y’all. I know that was long.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-88036600922703018192011-05-10T13:08:00.002-04:002011-05-11T02:02:02.361-04:00Marlins vs. Braves: Game 1 [12APR2011]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tasos invited Lauren and I to a game. I missed BP. Whoops. Lauren didn't. But I still managed some decent photos, I think... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1YM7WFpPytwVZ3cyK4TKezo3ZBiDa3Ulwaut1h1pq1ZbEP_g-DwFLEobUlNmm1ZeadvuLObE5WgTZJdHK8XlejqqQEOjRz7ngzYrcZoHtwLS_ABjkUl8hAhyphenhyphenQAdUxDBol7o0yqFx3HZe/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1YM7WFpPytwVZ3cyK4TKezo3ZBiDa3Ulwaut1h1pq1ZbEP_g-DwFLEobUlNmm1ZeadvuLObE5WgTZJdHK8XlejqqQEOjRz7ngzYrcZoHtwLS_ABjkUl8hAhyphenhyphenQAdUxDBol7o0yqFx3HZe/s320/002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy Hanson, warming up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A shirt, fired from the t-shirt gun by the Tomahawk Team, landed in the bullpen in the middle of Tommy's session. He paused, smirked, picked it up, and tossed it to a fan. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OiViUni_VJYlkXKja7jj8Kr3Xfh5urbkwhHYRKPWrqO1z6YrkRe2Kktk7RcH2AlKvIxD8PhSolhpfLivVgnLt9Y978TJpeeqJinX_tEnIcsW3qMr2EQavB4ORlxcsSEPDMJfzCnlNV8D/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OiViUni_VJYlkXKja7jj8Kr3Xfh5urbkwhHYRKPWrqO1z6YrkRe2Kktk7RcH2AlKvIxD8PhSolhpfLivVgnLt9Y978TJpeeqJinX_tEnIcsW3qMr2EQavB4ORlxcsSEPDMJfzCnlNV8D/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian McCann, gearing up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_598xNuqfghiWcDlqGQPXPSEDIqMZVZ9tmbnJah7i4vLtyBnJmfo48FpmJzLlHhrEugNIT-lWkqjd3fIGZ47kixljiDb2300A5Yu1axhErhIhASweAFYDSmA20IAGw1jkJYR0HtIbJVGi/s1600/05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_598xNuqfghiWcDlqGQPXPSEDIqMZVZ9tmbnJah7i4vLtyBnJmfo48FpmJzLlHhrEugNIT-lWkqjd3fIGZ47kixljiDb2300A5Yu1axhErhIhASweAFYDSmA20IAGw1jkJYR0HtIbJVGi/s640/05.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMarteen Reunion. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">♥</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And of course, I missed the actual hug photo. And most of the photos I did get are blurry. I'm a terrible photographer... :( <br />
<br />
Oh well. Here is a picture of Mike Stanton.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAiZq5n39shml7-HI08VZAvpSbA8ZpCW28i9vGnJC3eA1ylVO47FE6gb_GwHE9OxqRvfYK-gYkN4vDlltHSXVhmxMFlI_r6Knp4Cj-S23UHlccKe02ZgTODde_BCgt_IIPrABBkTM630f/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAiZq5n39shml7-HI08VZAvpSbA8ZpCW28i9vGnJC3eA1ylVO47FE6gb_GwHE9OxqRvfYK-gYkN4vDlltHSXVhmxMFlI_r6Knp4Cj-S23UHlccKe02ZgTODde_BCgt_IIPrABBkTM630f/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every time I see Mike Stanton, I think that he's muttering,<br />
"Not even a rookie anymore..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And I swear... he always looks like he's posing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y0rLkWiBJimECqklcv0v_BAxtHI_2-DvPGaxoh8zVFocmin92DTKeugZyGTVdgOtSvvLfmSzndA2tRfWdbFUl1oZuYKWiDkF3q0QqSRhophsFTcQIPVp_BGaBrM4kx9Peia193rvkOdX/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y0rLkWiBJimECqklcv0v_BAxtHI_2-DvPGaxoh8zVFocmin92DTKeugZyGTVdgOtSvvLfmSzndA2tRfWdbFUl1oZuYKWiDkF3q0QqSRhophsFTcQIPVp_BGaBrM4kx9Peia193rvkOdX/s320/010.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome Fweddie Freeman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Isn't he adorable? That is a rhetorical question. I don't require an answer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjL01Tmp4QdQACXZwFYWNIBsOX9-0-87LFCTGonCswI0rtQlzGr3XjOyyKxsQY5P_zu8OB2LEZIllNwddMkGmbbRSWI2yySfeCQnzz8q8E_kyBp7syBj4np2H_ugOFGbyBKOdtbJ9soXJ/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjL01Tmp4QdQACXZwFYWNIBsOX9-0-87LFCTGonCswI0rtQlzGr3XjOyyKxsQY5P_zu8OB2LEZIllNwddMkGmbbRSWI2yySfeCQnzz8q8E_kyBp7syBj4np2H_ugOFGbyBKOdtbJ9soXJ/s320/012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bullpen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Smiles, everybody!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXpG-fvZR-VkiLItpowBrKLPN1XhRyO1OTzPwVPK3qt1fgSsbHkSoOVhOcycBIpXW7kRmPb-F3otx7NBfE5jCAlYKjbdt5OQqW6B16pVhoGAWSJ7U6cOReckSX2g8hKqMRtuC3dabPl1Q/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXpG-fvZR-VkiLItpowBrKLPN1XhRyO1OTzPwVPK3qt1fgSsbHkSoOVhOcycBIpXW7kRmPb-F3otx7NBfE5jCAlYKjbdt5OQqW6B16pVhoGAWSJ7U6cOReckSX2g8hKqMRtuC3dabPl1Q/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxl19YzRcfNVg3ihikncDiw4k2jM8HCqbVZVGkp7SoDzScBdf8V84rHzciQGErVl7v4IHxv9qvp-_Jv3_880xJKiMYm881AjOfl6DvADgEdIza2DJ9D5zNmgRpHFUhJ6Lw8Y2xOkBfoMv/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxl19YzRcfNVg3ihikncDiw4k2jM8HCqbVZVGkp7SoDzScBdf8V84rHzciQGErVl7v4IHxv9qvp-_Jv3_880xJKiMYm881AjOfl6DvADgEdIza2DJ9D5zNmgRpHFUhJ6Lw8Y2xOkBfoMv/s320/017.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss Omar Infante</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxmAzMm8AI1dUjBOhmRXk9TnTxNYxgD9XUBvdkT9R1MTdv8GRm6A0m2g9N5srYJm7Uy9pKMoPS1P7utQqZCshm_A_Y3BqF4FmOihnucD3GrhwDATNCWOja2tnN-tTjd-jNfQea3rj5nwY/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxmAzMm8AI1dUjBOhmRXk9TnTxNYxgD9XUBvdkT9R1MTdv8GRm6A0m2g9N5srYJm7Uy9pKMoPS1P7utQqZCshm_A_Y3BqF4FmOihnucD3GrhwDATNCWOja2tnN-tTjd-jNfQea3rj5nwY/s320/022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My other favorite Marlin: Gaby Sanchez<br />
I know, right. So dreamy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4g07n3y9Hk95D3n8D7ENJB4_jC8jlmeCSnD7Ps2wOmy0n_j8TUosG68IcTfPp9W4XymIEYyZvnSn3zLp4gw9W0CwLk5YGoMRYWoP9Bwvo3O0t9eW_JW7ChyiRNynyZi9FEziXf2CoFFwx/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4g07n3y9Hk95D3n8D7ENJB4_jC8jlmeCSnD7Ps2wOmy0n_j8TUosG68IcTfPp9W4XymIEYyZvnSn3zLp4gw9W0CwLk5YGoMRYWoP9Bwvo3O0t9eW_JW7ChyiRNynyZi9FEziXf2CoFFwx/s320/030.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbalicious: Chris Coghlan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnLtxj0bJAFeAOVoLKZhjUHAdQoEYiCxY7gaj2AA60kAn9E4xywNeadr-nGSxhCC8-xEX9h533gMhgmzTufZ6p0rymzPcK3UvI6VsVjW3XGUp23oNc2DInqmc6HJMtu8K-FV_cfUMbl5/s1600/031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLnLtxj0bJAFeAOVoLKZhjUHAdQoEYiCxY7gaj2AA60kAn9E4xywNeadr-nGSxhCC8-xEX9h533gMhgmzTufZ6p0rymzPcK3UvI6VsVjW3XGUp23oNc2DInqmc6HJMtu8K-FV_cfUMbl5/s320/031.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's really weird to see Omar in a Marlins uni...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEdJloIczUR2BGyVBM3H7Ozj-j8wPF_HiJP3UluCnTN6G1jFoxN5SWcb64_64pY1gfKbp30vW2vDrw3DzJzr1vw2tbfzMNQ3cpQjhVeP6pkRtBwY7y5bjjYs7CBwILjSCrnNECOwepu7I/s1600/034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEdJloIczUR2BGyVBM3H7Ozj-j8wPF_HiJP3UluCnTN6G1jFoxN5SWcb64_64pY1gfKbp30vW2vDrw3DzJzr1vw2tbfzMNQ3cpQjhVeP6pkRtBwY7y5bjjYs7CBwILjSCrnNECOwepu7I/s320/034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Infielders & former Marlins: Dan Uggla & Alex Gonzalez</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zsXEW-NWBbwFHAS-7QyS6_b9R1R4RDU622W7vIPKvS7CnEg6Mu_UOO47h6-HcH1OlppRl4GCNAwyBMl-FnAUClcE1s1EdZ6eDjS2a0ou-L-2I1RMqrMVCLDVzk8TdHbD8Sw5JehpbKQZ/s1600/041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zsXEW-NWBbwFHAS-7QyS6_b9R1R4RDU622W7vIPKvS7CnEg6Mu_UOO47h6-HcH1OlppRl4GCNAwyBMl-FnAUClcE1s1EdZ6eDjS2a0ou-L-2I1RMqrMVCLDVzk8TdHbD8Sw5JehpbKQZ/s320/041.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, there are more pictures of Martín...<br />
why wouldn't there be?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju1d5jqVpvlxyWJDIQPd5yipZhtpZczpDoHTGRGuq53TCZzu6ocR_BmtJvEiVR0nTgM2esq_E-TDAG5xymm9AG8scx1osT4Qb9ECEkaIejahiuh4SbeTWohQfWGPKq6VU0a9qdEnxxSWL/s1600/043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju1d5jqVpvlxyWJDIQPd5yipZhtpZczpDoHTGRGuq53TCZzu6ocR_BmtJvEiVR0nTgM2esq_E-TDAG5xymm9AG8scx1osT4Qb9ECEkaIejahiuh4SbeTWohQfWGPKq6VU0a9qdEnxxSWL/s320/043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Mighty Mouse Nate McLouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycImBQU4YtPGe2t8xW6isT5z_Vy1Edfz7uOmubFtEVF4zm1F0GVuQFgOYZhZeubKLmdPMgnLFAnrly_t5EN8oHF1FrY_tHg7vbB9rcI4cyRWQTXX9kcfitybwFDF8f0KBsY9QekdLHjNx/s1600/055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycImBQU4YtPGe2t8xW6isT5z_Vy1Edfz7uOmubFtEVF4zm1F0GVuQFgOYZhZeubKLmdPMgnLFAnrly_t5EN8oHF1FrY_tHg7vbB9rcI4cyRWQTXX9kcfitybwFDF8f0KBsY9QekdLHjNx/s640/055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why, hello, J-Hey! and Bubbalicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Molly, Cori? Here you go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih93CJsJE-McNUV0Dt8yfiHI38cjuvy5L66rE5rojkx3g_UYjEswYExXjfcyvtz8i78RyM3wvwemyI9B9QRpmkqmbk_opamsAlW5JNWCNSwjULXEeSOL1XhVszRAYW5L6j6RgeWPy7fwfi/s1600/059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih93CJsJE-McNUV0Dt8yfiHI38cjuvy5L66rE5rojkx3g_UYjEswYExXjfcyvtz8i78RyM3wvwemyI9B9QRpmkqmbk_opamsAlW5JNWCNSwjULXEeSOL1XhVszRAYW5L6j6RgeWPy7fwfi/s400/059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Gaby Sanchez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, somehow, I managed to get Gaby's face mostly sharply, but everything else is blurry and moving... I thought it looked kind of neat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LVJ-9Adsh5vNrxCw2cQRWoizndjt_CCAyptjRB03iqd3lkzM9odN1EJBOWibp8YmET6XBr2b_S6rFaMc1esuK5QNmqjEExHXgjJCG-M-1J3VCyxSozCmDww-p12M7HvwV_QAmJdfWKc9/s1600/064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LVJ-9Adsh5vNrxCw2cQRWoizndjt_CCAyptjRB03iqd3lkzM9odN1EJBOWibp8YmET6XBr2b_S6rFaMc1esuK5QNmqjEExHXgjJCG-M-1J3VCyxSozCmDww-p12M7HvwV_QAmJdfWKc9/s400/064.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infielder meeting: Peter Moylan is dynamite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fredi's telling Moylo to take care of business. He does. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFPJcI0pUOO4V3fbQEK3PmeFtFfh5I3XPBMFbpQg5oJsfoGk57eX65scx-P8uA-iIu_NmyYqjrVjTDoz8mfKQWDGZCe61zTRmeAymMA-hz2GQpYRhSkXHQR4yEbijCJUdzss8fKFmfDo7/s1600/070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFPJcI0pUOO4V3fbQEK3PmeFtFfh5I3XPBMFbpQg5oJsfoGk57eX65scx-P8uA-iIu_NmyYqjrVjTDoz8mfKQWDGZCe61zTRmeAymMA-hz2GQpYRhSkXHQR4yEbijCJUdzss8fKFmfDo7/s400/070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outfielders! Martín does not participate in the stretching, <br />
much to my <strike>chagrin</strike> dismay. ;P</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11aHHeP8ftLcZLyDZOsKnykP3-0UVj8W5Ew_YV4zymOypYtbMocdfJ3J-qfIB-hLIACmLZTVc10mzxjD1ant6bxncWIrwq6ZaL8cRXtBRqsIec2lXkv-0f93XZz3hK9bqlhKrs0gkpHkT/s1600/071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11aHHeP8ftLcZLyDZOsKnykP3-0UVj8W5Ew_YV4zymOypYtbMocdfJ3J-qfIB-hLIACmLZTVc10mzxjD1ant6bxncWIrwq6ZaL8cRXtBRqsIec2lXkv-0f93XZz3hK9bqlhKrs0gkpHkT/s320/071.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only smiling Gonzo photo, and it's blurry</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvxLSJFz1idT3Wwsr6chKD0lHFBW7SjD3f-alx2g57GO2H7W5f5rX6VuCD8FdSzTeBSJga3CuFSRodZYp-ubK3GlV5gFxTr4k_Vp-afiKkLuTf3uYZnVcKtJFNRcfykvpsBK0T3hnQsAV/s1600/072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvxLSJFz1idT3Wwsr6chKD0lHFBW7SjD3f-alx2g57GO2H7W5f5rX6VuCD8FdSzTeBSJga3CuFSRodZYp-ubK3GlV5gFxTr4k_Vp-afiKkLuTf3uYZnVcKtJFNRcfykvpsBK0T3hnQsAV/s320/072.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marteeeeeeeen! Telling Nate something</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFe-45xZ8U8XEfbO2K0g99C8mL5K1hLuudyviLf2vw9TNBY9sk3WaTUdV6VUkh2GRClUbPmzJLkcqtUpjgg3si8RG553JQKzIotTjbsgaDLry3lNjxwNNlAamz2ucLWBezW_UjhVx_01t/s1600/077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFe-45xZ8U8XEfbO2K0g99C8mL5K1hLuudyviLf2vw9TNBY9sk3WaTUdV6VUkh2GRClUbPmzJLkcqtUpjgg3si8RG553JQKzIotTjbsgaDLry3lNjxwNNlAamz2ucLWBezW_UjhVx_01t/s320/077.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Linebrink</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkbYc3D9v7OR5XDnTTOcLV2SslMfopSkWJ8zOuoHLopaS76ZUO5yX6PHn8dfyMSMrQz_g2uoS55n4t6_xsBQzGTXr1CdsETUlI3nUXc3-vi8H7Lr2Elc3CMoUIKz5baz9WwKKv3s9mMyL/s1600/078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkbYc3D9v7OR5XDnTTOcLV2SslMfopSkWJ8zOuoHLopaS76ZUO5yX6PHn8dfyMSMrQz_g2uoS55n4t6_xsBQzGTXr1CdsETUlI3nUXc3-vi8H7Lr2Elc3CMoUIKz5baz9WwKKv3s9mMyL/s640/078.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outfielder celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Of course most of these shots are blurry. Of course. Why wouldn't they be? Ugh. Anyway, I thought the moment was too cute to not include, so let's just pretend that they're sharp, shall we? My favorite picture is #4, where Mighty Mouse is ducking between J-Hey and Marteen's gloves.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Braves win! 5-0 shutout. Tommy Hanson was stellar, Lauren, Tasos, and I were on TV, both J-Hey and BMac homered, Gonzo put on a clinic at short (as usual), and really, our boys were just spectacular. Check out the <a href="http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/search/media.jsp?game_pk=287046">highlights</a>!</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8y_seVtMcL3vb3elHC70Xg5IEU7xJxl7OLjJ0VDziNDV6xfG4usQrD-Rh06BNibXVf-T_4EFMUUAxWLdQDYgmkTFos8VzPw0Eg6P_sFu9RqsCx1JY-S35AYjwBluxzU50u4CorCg_r5O/s1600/078+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8y_seVtMcL3vb3elHC70Xg5IEU7xJxl7OLjJ0VDziNDV6xfG4usQrD-Rh06BNibXVf-T_4EFMUUAxWLdQDYgmkTFos8VzPw0Eg6P_sFu9RqsCx1JY-S35AYjwBluxzU50u4CorCg_r5O/s320/078+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is something wrong with Omar??? :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I noticed this in a photo... Omar looks like he's distraught or hurt, and Gaby is comforting/reassuring/checking on him? Either way, I was/am concerned... Also, I'm glad that Gaby's being nice to my darling, just like he promised to be. Of course, I can't find the link now... I tweeted at him, asking him to be nice to Omar and Mike Dunn, and he said that of course he would! Insta-love. But since I can't find that, I'll just link to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/GabySanchez15/status/52052290701500417">THIS</a> instead. :D <br />
<br />
And no, I have no pictures of LoMo.</div><div><br />
</div><div>LINK TIME!</div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/APR%2012%20vs%20Marlins/">Photobucket Album</a>.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/04/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-marlins-4.html">Lauren's post at Braves Love.</a></span></li>
</ul><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Nota Bene: All the combo/collage photos will be available separately in the PB album. :)</span></i></div></div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-19474786815431422342011-05-06T15:26:00.001-04:002011-05-06T15:30:37.038-04:00Upcoming GameDay PostsI am six posts behind. And I average around ~500 photos per game. I usually manage to pick out 100 or less photos from those 500 photos. And then I need to resize and edit these photos so that they're not some insanely large image. I'm sure you don't want to see someone's nosehairs taking up your entire monitor. (Ok, I'm exaggerating; my lens is nowhere near that good. :P)<br />
<br />
But! Here is what you can expect to see, soon:<br />
<br />
vs Marlins: Game 1 [12 APR 2011]<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD9B8X-verEFQ8R-WMULquwhuyqJbX8SgC6WUm9FS763EthsIARACHMII_OhQtlyLYNNGcKM8In-x7XTzoMlFB989mGlcDtYdLliMg-oca5xliwVAVuxvXgJrV7Je3ODfvvXAZf65_mtA/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfD9B8X-verEFQ8R-WMULquwhuyqJbX8SgC6WUm9FS763EthsIARACHMII_OhQtlyLYNNGcKM8In-x7XTzoMlFB989mGlcDtYdLliMg-oca5xliwVAVuxvXgJrV7Je3ODfvvXAZf65_mtA/s400/002.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOE6OFaTixL2kYzJVjeDf0PiierIQhoSAxw9-yvVlfFwcPWDZZRkIKpwR_xoHopUGzjlz7E5ifQ08yMMEabMgnkB_SF55Mkt1_xg3MJYcCaO3QHXG8uS2lba3oVX15EvbfX4oW1Q0GTtn/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOE6OFaTixL2kYzJVjeDf0PiierIQhoSAxw9-yvVlfFwcPWDZZRkIKpwR_xoHopUGzjlz7E5ifQ08yMMEabMgnkB_SF55Mkt1_xg3MJYcCaO3QHXG8uS2lba3oVX15EvbfX4oW1Q0GTtn/s400/010.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<br />
vs Marlins: Game 3 [14 APR 2011]<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKZIhyB1NBsnc220gfOd1dIzS1gGCb26Dj3bLEHxn5fkLEwpQl4xASHa7Ojvg5qO1lqyi9MJpdF_cBv9BCP4VMZyQwFvpJpE-O56Z15GvC1xmizARMCFoqQsw8zNJtkI9OOIXGIro3Y1Y/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKZIhyB1NBsnc220gfOd1dIzS1gGCb26Dj3bLEHxn5fkLEwpQl4xASHa7Ojvg5qO1lqyi9MJpdF_cBv9BCP4VMZyQwFvpJpE-O56Z15GvC1xmizARMCFoqQsw8zNJtkI9OOIXGIro3Y1Y/s400/021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
vs Mets Doubleheader Batting Practice<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQSbqR_dYjWK_VXqGUyGhbCo-iRc0zIhfqR5ZHcJ1u2jWz5tVTCwy6vbXDjwlvGUx121EfBEpCW03svL58ByPArNx7P_T_W4KZqxJxBUxxRKUm8uWd0K0p3bVqkaMotyLgSPTv9fvk0fc/s1600/037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQSbqR_dYjWK_VXqGUyGhbCo-iRc0zIhfqR5ZHcJ1u2jWz5tVTCwy6vbXDjwlvGUx121EfBEpCW03svL58ByPArNx7P_T_W4KZqxJxBUxxRKUm8uWd0K0p3bVqkaMotyLgSPTv9fvk0fc/s400/037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
vs Cardinals: Game 2<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9icnRKzXu0gVRV91BWbQniX8jOVC-8c6duXAke4F3BJLrlfVUg6YSkmSoNqzJBTehvlHDrmxIyb5u7zqiSSevaq_eRUQJGbpoeQQHfNGlf41o3vG7pLqUh3a7xcT24-sw8TCr2FB8pxAu/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9icnRKzXu0gVRV91BWbQniX8jOVC-8c6duXAke4F3BJLrlfVUg6YSkmSoNqzJBTehvlHDrmxIyb5u7zqiSSevaq_eRUQJGbpoeQQHfNGlf41o3vG7pLqUh3a7xcT24-sw8TCr2FB8pxAu/s400/024.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
<br />
vs Brewers: BP & Game 1 of Doubleheader<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwCJXpT4WGyuy9w59m-5SuLWV6VFvtGNeYtBLF9T6TO_P2aSHVsZp3dRL8wi5lF6s2V1jiCjN2E3DcbC9aVar_WZHVvx9AbqTs05c2gvT0qTVIS6bAui24_OORDKy8uxhnFSqx31SyJih/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwCJXpT4WGyuy9w59m-5SuLWV6VFvtGNeYtBLF9T6TO_P2aSHVsZp3dRL8wi5lF6s2V1jiCjN2E3DcbC9aVar_WZHVvx9AbqTs05c2gvT0qTVIS6bAui24_OORDKy8uxhnFSqx31SyJih/s400/012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would have cropped out Kimmie b/c of the guy that stepped into my shot, <br />
but Kimmie's face was so funny!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wDhkrxpS-CkraWWLAV1YGWm8xsuiDxvomTD_0ecn-oOKkOmWgsLXzg-r8FWg28k0aluv_ZH8xlrfCTCyChFK1zEFblihyphenhyphenVIJ1b-wEbdFuVSqXlr5Q9Ib5-7cc03fOXcbSgKZa7aYkJ25/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wDhkrxpS-CkraWWLAV1YGWm8xsuiDxvomTD_0ecn-oOKkOmWgsLXzg-r8FWg28k0aluv_ZH8xlrfCTCyChFK1zEFblihyphenhyphenVIJ1b-wEbdFuVSqXlr5Q9Ib5-7cc03fOXcbSgKZa7aYkJ25/s400/016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
vs Brewers: Game 2 of Doubleheader<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJagUxBeZgqZQIEUVdHRB-nOF2N7DaMqm5LwJAtFkWRlJ11PouBLZkjKqjggfjVzvXOC4wmoHEnH5MF1CDBcytccvAAXEor323lT-d4J3WVQAQnk44S8WT14mGa-vzGyK2tCedBI9_Pf2p/s1600/copy+IMG_2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJagUxBeZgqZQIEUVdHRB-nOF2N7DaMqm5LwJAtFkWRlJ11PouBLZkjKqjggfjVzvXOC4wmoHEnH5MF1CDBcytccvAAXEor323lT-d4J3WVQAQnk44S8WT14mGa-vzGyK2tCedBI9_Pf2p/s400/copy+IMG_2280.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Please note: I haven't edited these photos at all... just chose a couple here and there and cropped/resized them... but soon, my pretties. <br />
:DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-26145126390756189992011-04-26T18:02:00.002-04:002011-05-01T00:03:24.428-04:00Phillies vs. Braves, Game 3 [10APR2011]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sundays mean red uniforms and day games. I'm not going to lie: the red unis are my least favorite of the Braves uniforms. I much prefer the road unis to the Sunday reds. The reds make my eyes regret vision. And I'm visually impaired!! They glow in this eye-aching way in the 1 o'clock sun, and that, paired with the white pants, is pretty painful. And just to make matters worse... hello? 1 o'clock sunshine in Atlanta, Georgia? What part of this is EVER a good idea?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right. So here we go. John and I sat in the terrace level (IN THE SHADE, THANK GOODNESS) in the outfield (I need to invest in a pair of binoculars) one section over from the bullpen (where everybody was MIA, hiding from the sun). And considering that I lugged the dSLR around for the two previous game, much to the chagrin of my wrists, I took my point and shoot to see how well it would do on game days (from the terrace in the outfield). The answer? Not great, but not terrible, either. And yes, I skipped batting practice. Give me a break; girl is tired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuHqdFGQYzFksmw6Fwzv2E0N-giQzMFN30oBfMKZ-T4CtC8ArQhXh9zeTvljJJcWn5kn9MB3EWsue4i4wpAb9l12wBs3pAFrEGd5nOBjzXTWJTzq4ecvMAodfUagMq6HJIR60eXRlXSg5/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuHqdFGQYzFksmw6Fwzv2E0N-giQzMFN30oBfMKZ-T4CtC8ArQhXh9zeTvljJJcWn5kn9MB3EWsue4i4wpAb9l12wBs3pAFrEGd5nOBjzXTWJTzq4ecvMAodfUagMq6HJIR60eXRlXSg5/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOCKS UP Martín Prado ♥</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Y'all. I'm in love. John, Eric T., and a legion of girls want to fight me for him... but I'm wily. You don't know me!! (Disclaimer: Don't worry, this won't actually happen. I'm way too chicken. ...Or am I?)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6cJD7YPdAF2MNtj9M_A6Y65V7_9cjqcgXwUTkcXXlIgAy8lTWMIAlMF6fOxC0r2x83remdXoJAynoQObYpa-jQg_5vHxr2XztraAToM0UBnpufKKzL2oF1dKoZVIWNNT-_7raA655cvV/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6cJD7YPdAF2MNtj9M_A6Y65V7_9cjqcgXwUTkcXXlIgAy8lTWMIAlMF6fOxC0r2x83remdXoJAynoQObYpa-jQg_5vHxr2XztraAToM0UBnpufKKzL2oF1dKoZVIWNNT-_7raA655cvV/s320/003.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mighty Mouse Nate McLouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZOBZKLH45ZWhcMCGJi3tE9YBERrJxjz_2TgKKkv32cJdse6JLjzjOMJwQldqoiVS6ybzOiRDBMRWpMitO_WydZi132SJKybL8yH-vwJDf-kTEyjnzk1YUy-tFCRFu4OwPA8vFIcO1NE0/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZOBZKLH45ZWhcMCGJi3tE9YBERrJxjz_2TgKKkv32cJdse6JLjzjOMJwQldqoiVS6ybzOiRDBMRWpMitO_WydZi132SJKybL8yH-vwJDf-kTEyjnzk1YUy-tFCRFu4OwPA8vFIcO1NE0/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DLowe!!! (PIMPJUICE)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I kinda sort of really love Derek Lowe to pieces. He sasses DOB! He throws sinkers! He's "I'm gonna get this mofo to groundout because I'm a BA"! He will not push the blame on lack of run support! He takes responsibility for his starts! And he has a crooked grin. And he's a giant. And his windup is neat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTe_wgbeAcAW7OCx9xofpNHXEGhJIMVo4lKWIsqlm88nAtoisguqTB16n5fPb6sfThyQZlloJRF5YpZVedlQs_7DFdfo75AfbK-unxxRR0xHE6SG7d2Ym5iY_Kc77Gbf9iNBNm9jualZz/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTe_wgbeAcAW7OCx9xofpNHXEGhJIMVo4lKWIsqlm88nAtoisguqTB16n5fPb6sfThyQZlloJRF5YpZVedlQs_7DFdfo75AfbK-unxxRR0xHE6SG7d2Ym5iY_Kc77Gbf9iNBNm9jualZz/s320/009.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mighty Mouse's hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZtnjMlG17gnNK-k0sNR7rw4RkHloDgKt64cpdh4FhmaFeFwh2NF8dK9a3Iihyphenhyphen3LC4bd5FMLEDbm8n6F19aqi1FtR3IsDX7BPDhWEXtiweDtqGjqsO5-yamENkCpAhXMQMfP0FA5Vg-KI/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZtnjMlG17gnNK-k0sNR7rw4RkHloDgKt64cpdh4FhmaFeFwh2NF8dK9a3Iihyphenhyphen3LC4bd5FMLEDbm8n6F19aqi1FtR3IsDX7BPDhWEXtiweDtqGjqsO5-yamENkCpAhXMQMfP0FA5Vg-KI/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddie Freeman looks like he's about to play football</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Seriously. Does Fweddie not look like he's about to do some football thing or other (I don't know anything about football terms... I've forgotten everything already! Sorry, Tasos.)? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMhp-sexWUuPp8xIYisRbP-69SVJz1GezItcKHnlx5KJdPfBlU8oltzxYnoet-FPF4IrGOrxynlu0dSoIdIaSwoD6-acMSEdhCnoK8wMxgbTT8vTusI_FyONbemfqw-PSlWtgG1PpWk4w/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMhp-sexWUuPp8xIYisRbP-69SVJz1GezItcKHnlx5KJdPfBlU8oltzxYnoet-FPF4IrGOrxynlu0dSoIdIaSwoD6-acMSEdhCnoK8wMxgbTT8vTusI_FyONbemfqw-PSlWtgG1PpWk4w/s320/011.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MORE SOCKS UP MARTIN</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UQ53-CTakTfMauMqThrYYa2LPMDQ6_4V5l3H80EcRCDfL-WZyz_Slg4q6_23neWCpoThM7n96nZnW5TBv9T74AFFw0kEXE6p1DlZtBTgBCgSSlSWUEQ0g1hrHKeNrf3J1dPMJ1YIQ0c0/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UQ53-CTakTfMauMqThrYYa2LPMDQ6_4V5l3H80EcRCDfL-WZyz_Slg4q6_23neWCpoThM7n96nZnW5TBv9T74AFFw0kEXE6p1DlZtBTgBCgSSlSWUEQ0g1hrHKeNrf3J1dPMJ1YIQ0c0/s320/013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Uggla and his arms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsQvd_P45usNU1P8CE7qT5avOVfIEYHZI-8o2yrkOYoUYitWyww2Kmo2hZHTuKxyIOCstdw2mOaP342t6IgBbeCsqm2ErsqEB2ZeDIBi3-7FOjOzkL5oOg53mON0fnd3OyNYGB0kOWfag/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsQvd_P45usNU1P8CE7qT5avOVfIEYHZI-8o2yrkOYoUYitWyww2Kmo2hZHTuKxyIOCstdw2mOaP342t6IgBbeCsqm2ErsqEB2ZeDIBi3-7FOjOzkL5oOg53mON0fnd3OyNYGB0kOWfag/s320/014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain of SocksUppery: Jonny Venters</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-yx1vr1tyTfWVwtjCnEG7K29bWATw8tKRbumLa_0yTnpd3wW3V6TlgXxKJDgkXU6fTFF0T-PFSkgr7QnreWAhX2XlzVd5X9VP_E3_zG3FjaCQgNmUwW6zKtGDv2bxesUOO2sGNvOtw5Y/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-yx1vr1tyTfWVwtjCnEG7K29bWATw8tKRbumLa_0yTnpd3wW3V6TlgXxKJDgkXU6fTFF0T-PFSkgr7QnreWAhX2XlzVd5X9VP_E3_zG3FjaCQgNmUwW6zKtGDv2bxesUOO2sGNvOtw5Y/s320/016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">♥ Martín Prado<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> ♥</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The game was not going our way, to say the least, and in order to keep my optimism up, I very enthusiastically claimed that because there were 2 players on the field at the same time with their SOCKS UP, that obviously meant that we would win. Wishful thinking on my part, but damn it, it should be true. The ratio of players wearing their socks up to the players that don't should totally factor in the whimsiness (i.e. luck) that brings about wins. Also, I just really really wanted Marteen to be the walk-off hero and parade around in his socks. Also, I really wish DLowe had won. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnpJ0OFIxefU5B-iF45DLBUAh_DcI-Fiu_Os2hKke-KylHEf8qfBVRrkV9r4HUCCU5Q3V2hwmjFVmTyexDPGm69kVQ68oNdedpLArbUV7H22c-t7szdEbGzbuQV6GoIyeF6t7RbJwpP8a/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnpJ0OFIxefU5B-iF45DLBUAh_DcI-Fiu_Os2hKke-KylHEf8qfBVRrkV9r4HUCCU5Q3V2hwmjFVmTyexDPGm69kVQ68oNdedpLArbUV7H22c-t7szdEbGzbuQV6GoIyeF6t7RbJwpP8a/s320/017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bad picture of Craig Kimbrel ~</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KS8K-96K5vQf-lWS-CaacWWVEWn6jxFfiVLkS50lmAuTVisaNnY0-gq9xkst77cWqZ0gYsKam55IHAe2P6DZHaQ4_QE-5wO6SRnSBg4ljTKv6YbXZvYx3cJJgK3ERjGpI4bwTa4wzSes/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KS8K-96K5vQf-lWS-CaacWWVEWn6jxFfiVLkS50lmAuTVisaNnY0-gq9xkst77cWqZ0gYsKam55IHAe2P6DZHaQ4_QE-5wO6SRnSBg4ljTKv6YbXZvYx3cJJgK3ERjGpI4bwTa4wzSes/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gonzo's version of the <a href="http://www.foxsportssouth.com/pages/video?PID=Iqy4ybdKltuoPATANWvb5sFW7WfFV0_Z">Boom-Boom</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU_VVjukiEIY4Pw2UyTqvtXX1EPVtMznqVhX4SDUklQEZCawC3_H0uyS2XHP6Eb4aoa-ffe1LEiw6CqZQm76TItQ8hq7RwCkVkd2efcudsHnJynICj_M5bsF8ooBk_vmKE-d2b0NqVmFu/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU_VVjukiEIY4Pw2UyTqvtXX1EPVtMznqVhX4SDUklQEZCawC3_H0uyS2XHP6Eb4aoa-ffe1LEiw6CqZQm76TItQ8hq7RwCkVkd2efcudsHnJynICj_M5bsF8ooBk_vmKE-d2b0NqVmFu/s320/021.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Molly and Catherine</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhVsZ8JYZOqVy_IagjaVvfuTbwmbjehYr9t-US6RUl-RKqMRGPrCgJsfAA4Vj_mGsbQrLv5Cbsk9iMnKbEfqhyphenhyphenCfVqLRsO_aQ0yYK3EuXLv4isa20-nE4L6JTNkA9cPS2rZZhVnntayjz/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhVsZ8JYZOqVy_IagjaVvfuTbwmbjehYr9t-US6RUl-RKqMRGPrCgJsfAA4Vj_mGsbQrLv5Cbsk9iMnKbEfqhyphenhyphenCfVqLRsO_aQ0yYK3EuXLv4isa20-nE4L6JTNkA9cPS2rZZhVnntayjz/s320/022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J-Hey: Molly's boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And to end the post as it began, yet another photo of Socks Up Martín: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRkCRgdOLKIZkheKRBBjvet5MzQRyZDxeR2nxYsI-tOv4HKBGmG0tryboryIvOcEBpeZQl-WtrkmwDmamU2q-F6cTupVM1HV-1fb4N2Vv5qky6im8ERwumQ5_LvZyv1we67mGBUsoVlyf/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRkCRgdOLKIZkheKRBBjvet5MzQRyZDxeR2nxYsI-tOv4HKBGmG0tryboryIvOcEBpeZQl-WtrkmwDmamU2q-F6cTupVM1HV-1fb4N2Vv5qky6im8ERwumQ5_LvZyv1we67mGBUsoVlyf/s320/024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
All right, so we lost the game (and the series) to Cole Hamels and the Phillies. Did y'all just get that shuddering sensation when you read that sentence? Because I did when I typed it. Gross. Admittedly not the best way to start off at home... but it's still April. I have faith in our boys. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Links:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/APR10%20vs%20Phillies/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Photobucket album</span></a></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://alyheartsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/04/phillies-vs-braves-game-1-08apr2011home.html">Game 1 (Home Opener!) post</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Game 2 posts-- <a href="http://alyheartsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/04/phillies-vs-braves-game-2-09apr2011-bp.html">BP</a> & <a href="http://alyheartsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/04/phillies-vs-braves-game-2-09apr2011.html">Game</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lauren's posts-- <a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/04/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-phillies-4.html">Game 1</a> & <a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-15T18%3A45%3A00-04%3A00">Game 2</a></span></li>
</ul><div>Please be sure to check out the blog's Facebook page! You can find it by searching for "Aly Hearts Baseball," clicking "like" in that box on the sidebar, or by going to <a href="http://facebook.com/AlyHeartsBaseballBlog">Facebook.com/AlyHeartsBaseballBlog</a>. I'll probably be posting "teaser photos" and the like over there. Thanks, y'all.<br />
<br />
As an aside, if you happen to be a Blue Jays fan (or really, a fan of baseball), you should really check out the blogs The Blue Jay Hunter (written by the very clever Ian) and Hum and Chuck (written by the extremely witty Joanna). Links in the sidebar. That is all.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-59846679427558136162011-04-25T19:52:00.003-04:002011-05-05T11:01:37.433-04:00Phillies vs. Braves, Game 2 [09APR2011] -- GAMERight. So here is the second part of this gameday post. Less talking, more photos. Right. And let's just dive right in!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszitZlKC-DxayJMtfWGBzlQndIfbRoym2h1a6CBIgkmR4kWEbj5npAwMc5FgMDhukFFw6i02lx5Xfqq8r1kYZaDvKySbLGbqziwTdoWjqsy_Dj01Do85ZM1GIVTo6c47d7vOmsBqzaIPh/s1600/Jazz+Hands+Chipper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszitZlKC-DxayJMtfWGBzlQndIfbRoym2h1a6CBIgkmR4kWEbj5npAwMc5FgMDhukFFw6i02lx5Xfqq8r1kYZaDvKySbLGbqziwTdoWjqsy_Dj01Do85ZM1GIVTo6c47d7vOmsBqzaIPh/s640/Jazz+Hands+Chipper.png" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After an amazing play, Chipper extends his Jazz Hands <br />
to give props to his teammates, Gonzo and Dan Uggla.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Y'all. Dan Uggla and his swoll arms need a nickname. I'm nominating "Popeye." There's even a bulge in his lip where he puts dip (disapproval, btw), which makes it perfect.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgChfzy_B-RIHQ3nEZXRRQCE2yNbta-NOhrNHoR_hCez7fUfL9OkdxX93LS7rau3QHEXDFg8ck9Qfim6iVkURSb5F0BKo8mtv-wisXZEcbME6fHZuoVSrrHuAgMu2rASAEZZhwZUlg4him/s1600/081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgChfzy_B-RIHQ3nEZXRRQCE2yNbta-NOhrNHoR_hCez7fUfL9OkdxX93LS7rau3QHEXDFg8ck9Qfim6iVkURSb5F0BKo8mtv-wisXZEcbME6fHZuoVSrrHuAgMu2rASAEZZhwZUlg4him/s320/081.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Gonzalez, after his <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/790TheZone/status/56776262345170944">300th career double</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love this man's game face. He is not fooling around. I looked at this picture and this is what I thought his inner monologue was: "Well, hell. Maybe I did just hit my 300th double. But what good does it do if no one scores me!?" Yes. It was one of those games... :(<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iK0RsVcKMH8UyrxcoT8e69bMAc9NsB0xpMdjg8Rw3-J_VdTv-6XpmUFQQ4CexkdO_AtxAnbhHVXE2l2MJ-JLdL5jrnUVge-NckzyodQ3KDWR4Rh06YugniN45rjQ_W2yKun3VYRD2H7u/s1600/082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iK0RsVcKMH8UyrxcoT8e69bMAc9NsB0xpMdjg8Rw3-J_VdTv-6XpmUFQQ4CexkdO_AtxAnbhHVXE2l2MJ-JLdL5jrnUVge-NckzyodQ3KDWR4Rh06YugniN45rjQ_W2yKun3VYRD2H7u/s320/082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUN FWEDDIE!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxbmQ3wvAUjpv9kAivi3v7npEB8jF03xxU54JgimldCs-cvmylpjIyXEFE5IE1TVhYgQeYOyem2GcpIHPTfn0sxz_jHf57tFYyh39gzjG2caJYeHt_sFItMLyRpMlCioDzVH5t0S1cMfE/s1600/087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxbmQ3wvAUjpv9kAivi3v7npEB8jF03xxU54JgimldCs-cvmylpjIyXEFE5IE1TVhYgQeYOyem2GcpIHPTfn0sxz_jHf57tFYyh39gzjG2caJYeHt_sFItMLyRpMlCioDzVH5t0S1cMfE/s320/087.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Catherine</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkOOMEPQKkAzyuP6UHvCmWSvzYBjuy2DOcAZjL-iXGZd9HuVDp8X_o1C-3pG4fI4xEhhNjfd6xV2_dEvcHGWXyiQLG4TFknmwG6p5XY8MkJNqkVXbbeBZ8oiCrH1acP2lo7ZgTQu3BOmP/s1600/089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkOOMEPQKkAzyuP6UHvCmWSvzYBjuy2DOcAZjL-iXGZd9HuVDp8X_o1C-3pG4fI4xEhhNjfd6xV2_dEvcHGWXyiQLG4TFknmwG6p5XY8MkJNqkVXbbeBZ8oiCrH1acP2lo7ZgTQu3BOmP/s640/089.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check out that tiny kid and Eddie! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd8EFa4FaBNw6Sv-dYZOsQqAWGU-GEuwSQOP0NiHurqGTyx8an9Np3PLIaK5Ozoernamaw1N1Y8O1G4pBcqbc-4pj73fvDwViozRqQC_0-QhbmeDHC62GOEnSUqv8k0lDH5c__4cOJOPk/s1600/090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd8EFa4FaBNw6Sv-dYZOsQqAWGU-GEuwSQOP0NiHurqGTyx8an9Np3PLIaK5Ozoernamaw1N1Y8O1G4pBcqbc-4pj73fvDwViozRqQC_0-QhbmeDHC62GOEnSUqv8k0lDH5c__4cOJOPk/s320/090.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mighty Mouse Nate McLouth... striking out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aFM-xdrU1LgG1wliBhAU0nIK_SJ0M7mIrun6c-Wkli_GHwRzaiastE4nKSlJG4WL1_AqLu5abhqBGrneeuAfXxj2s-ZeMeI0AgOM9Xh4LcQlPXh2Ebz7o9lVjuWa_08rquKqt-Z-ikwi/s1600/091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aFM-xdrU1LgG1wliBhAU0nIK_SJ0M7mIrun6c-Wkli_GHwRzaiastE4nKSlJG4WL1_AqLu5abhqBGrneeuAfXxj2s-ZeMeI0AgOM9Xh4LcQlPXh2Ebz7o9lVjuWa_08rquKqt-Z-ikwi/s320/091.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipper Jones (for Eric)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPOva-rNE9vTJDFibPl-bSQA6wggJ0n-ZR_9ypywd1PXmMWHr-jSe3A6RuYurGDHdcLBQ-WrTmEE3Nio5wciSpbPKmHdQla4RpLZEC8fTK_yA7TaSexawajhqW_oVi6GXHH5czjYv77lj/s1600/096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPOva-rNE9vTJDFibPl-bSQA6wggJ0n-ZR_9ypywd1PXmMWHr-jSe3A6RuYurGDHdcLBQ-WrTmEE3Nio5wciSpbPKmHdQla4RpLZEC8fTK_yA7TaSexawajhqW_oVi6GXHH5czjYv77lj/s320/096.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMac (for all the Mac fans. don't lie. I know you're lurking.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd6gflzkHS_iFNpHu49zR5XpLqgNMRIR1zxVWXKFpHmRP8TsXediEa2pLnNNvMJf1dViDwLjUoNKz2wAC2ioOq-y4YEzCQWkC8k5JIGyyyo6-h7oiNLfitDJ1MRslZaF1N7FhLcF83uhM/s1600/097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd6gflzkHS_iFNpHu49zR5XpLqgNMRIR1zxVWXKFpHmRP8TsXediEa2pLnNNvMJf1dViDwLjUoNKz2wAC2ioOq-y4YEzCQWkC8k5JIGyyyo6-h7oiNLfitDJ1MRslZaF1N7FhLcF83uhM/s320/097.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy Oswalt: This is why pitching both fascinates and freaks me out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VjUkMHG2sykF_F8CesJa5Nw57BP18XTukJCwP9GHEMEUAusuXKNDRskJjsmPGus4cb_Hq5-uGyq8iSMgF0Rwl7SU98LiJX5z13bDla6KplrGlYQNH7Ec-6qODzAHHzurmu6ndbgZGM63/s1600/102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VjUkMHG2sykF_F8CesJa5Nw57BP18XTukJCwP9GHEMEUAusuXKNDRskJjsmPGus4cb_Hq5-uGyq8iSMgF0Rwl7SU98LiJX5z13bDla6KplrGlYQNH7Ec-6qODzAHHzurmu6ndbgZGM63/s320/102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Beachy: This is less scary looking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Time for a Gonzo montage! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2JewWKahyP_AO-yAS6bQr1aH0Wn2g5k0Wv101ESVHwtfWWIrT7Ywh5C2kLViPigWOgJkySXC61uGaUUv843K34YXb-j0PINTPLrgQGchZ612N_yU9LPYyAzAij5CqS_5TmQDfsiAjz4t/s1600/Gonzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2JewWKahyP_AO-yAS6bQr1aH0Wn2g5k0Wv101ESVHwtfWWIrT7Ywh5C2kLViPigWOgJkySXC61uGaUUv843K34YXb-j0PINTPLrgQGchZ612N_yU9LPYyAzAij5CqS_5TmQDfsiAjz4t/s400/Gonzo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Gauging the sun<br />
2. Posing for my camera, obvs.<br />
3. BUBBALICIOUS</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FzIJUSoiLOcBvZoJ8NWBqN5TiZmqSN_KJ1nCI7X-By2UsClfhCWwS_wmwLrPNiOQQ3FZ3KplRNN944ClXY54oVyqqInF5WVmRDT4STXg8iedHgeS3PDE8aTDPxN4mQVSJJpY_5Ulq7LQ/s1600/104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FzIJUSoiLOcBvZoJ8NWBqN5TiZmqSN_KJ1nCI7X-By2UsClfhCWwS_wmwLrPNiOQQ3FZ3KplRNN944ClXY54oVyqqInF5WVmRDT4STXg8iedHgeS3PDE8aTDPxN4mQVSJJpY_5Ulq7LQ/s320/104.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GO GET IT, J-HEY!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFAnt9Yytd5lhCA_u7CLAYnRiNwc7Q8DTvkcbyYWSthIZCnbcMKnHswhe8hnPFu61cnuqOzXara_qwhbxI6dT_ZzTYoRIZZghIRa3JE5i9o5X0q8kyGfSNuu6cIZqedNsYQkd4KbJAtGZ/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFAnt9Yytd5lhCA_u7CLAYnRiNwc7Q8DTvkcbyYWSthIZCnbcMKnHswhe8hnPFu61cnuqOzXara_qwhbxI6dT_ZzTYoRIZZghIRa3JE5i9o5X0q8kyGfSNuu6cIZqedNsYQkd4KbJAtGZ/s320/105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freddie Freeman: "Good job, Beachy." *pat, pat*</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hzkNLH-F2VMUPEOeTzSF3nz1NStYbxMgk_-T4YlbtKko3KVtLQ3E6Y9imaKRmC25PMo5bv64q53nj4qD-iMce4AFaDDiOiXXNPPNbwwDJdg_k1KX_-57QTtLF0GtQE4r7M9_chfEpnyT/s1600/107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hzkNLH-F2VMUPEOeTzSF3nz1NStYbxMgk_-T4YlbtKko3KVtLQ3E6Y9imaKRmC25PMo5bv64q53nj4qD-iMce4AFaDDiOiXXNPPNbwwDJdg_k1KX_-57QTtLF0GtQE4r7M9_chfEpnyT/s320/107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Sherrill: Mama said knock you out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ok, so he didn't exactly knock them out... but he sure looks like he's about to, doesn't he? I would NOT want to be on the receiving end of a punch from him in a fight. Looks like he puts his whole body into a punch. O_o<br />
<br />
<div>And now: Height Differences! I present to you, first, Dan Uggla and Freddie Freeman...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUy06qwI4-AW5gY1QlmFGryYXumuFOhaAjyFqwjaPx6p5t0P6ZaxlABa5VKk9Xteb2M-mNaHWchzrYp8EnRa1NBu0YLY5MQJwHtFGsoQ4G7Mmy0cl1HSbbNpD8TnftORvQ8hjKJq81Sgk/s1600/108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUy06qwI4-AW5gY1QlmFGryYXumuFOhaAjyFqwjaPx6p5t0P6ZaxlABa5VKk9Xteb2M-mNaHWchzrYp8EnRa1NBu0YLY5MQJwHtFGsoQ4G7Mmy0cl1HSbbNpD8TnftORvQ8hjKJq81Sgk/s320/108.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popeye comes up to Fweddie's shoulders?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Followed by Nate McLouth and Jason Heyward.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKI6GdFVb29TUxFh3zLrorIsODby3CUY-883Wx07miHLnSyv4wjjPJUeJeZbX0n6bM9Prln72BMwoylRRisTaugEKtqaCG_X-hgcqXMc4Edqq67gsMYICAsnUtgX-z8gHqsOyJ_YiF9eG/s1600/110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKI6GdFVb29TUxFh3zLrorIsODby3CUY-883Wx07miHLnSyv4wjjPJUeJeZbX0n6bM9Prln72BMwoylRRisTaugEKtqaCG_X-hgcqXMc4Edqq67gsMYICAsnUtgX-z8gHqsOyJ_YiF9eG/s320/110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is why Mighty Mouse got a concussion while <br />
J-Hey was unscathed when they collided last year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UtgfEc-raWsfepnsU4Iiv2RaGpmnkTIDOu-zeCC0eYHv_SisUfG5G2icLRbGkg93NypWr76Qm7xiPpskRlybjO7gFqDJcddo2SNYsu3gcMCQR32blNYvtfnGn5f3yeekXBggjpTrXeQZ/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UtgfEc-raWsfepnsU4Iiv2RaGpmnkTIDOu-zeCC0eYHv_SisUfG5G2icLRbGkg93NypWr76Qm7xiPpskRlybjO7gFqDJcddo2SNYsu3gcMCQR32blNYvtfnGn5f3yeekXBggjpTrXeQZ/s320/111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Linebrink</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzQLzIKcgceKrw4IearqWkXHY_tnEjBh3VTZBF2mI5e6sZbATpp61tSHIDApLoa1OXQ2pDdHUoQYi-kix9UshserNs45Pjofi1f0RC7_L7BN_tURhyphenhyphenP47NnDkUJYrulQU8BdpC6ykn5s7/s1600/115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzQLzIKcgceKrw4IearqWkXHY_tnEjBh3VTZBF2mI5e6sZbATpp61tSHIDApLoa1OXQ2pDdHUoQYi-kix9UshserNs45Pjofi1f0RC7_L7BN_tURhyphenhyphenP47NnDkUJYrulQU8BdpC6ykn5s7/s320/115.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action shot! Pick-off attempt by Cristhian Martinez</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgE-CRJECYaFoM89GJtxVHrp58E40Cpw5cnveLyTtqIw7ujO8-rZnPNW-NebNrqWfeQLiWKC44oAFvY8XFEBTMB-eJdpJGhT6Vb6239UD6N4qxYSs3kppjZwRnwQq-4qQiTZSdmGD38bW/s1600/116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgE-CRJECYaFoM89GJtxVHrp58E40Cpw5cnveLyTtqIw7ujO8-rZnPNW-NebNrqWfeQLiWKC44oAFvY8XFEBTMB-eJdpJGhT6Vb6239UD6N4qxYSs3kppjZwRnwQq-4qQiTZSdmGD38bW/s320/116.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martín Prado is made of magic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So this photo is of Marteen practicing catching a fly ball. I saw him doing this several times while the various pitchers were warming up during the game. Isn't he just the most perfect player ever? ::dreamy sigh::<br />
<br />
By this point, the Braves were basically... well. Let's just say there was little chance of us coming back. And so out was Mac, and in was...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnQtFhfQazVA-s2YvYhk_cC5suHFxenPVbUHJoQK7EongNNTN3CIIP26BEuOcl4JcVqavxAGRNanqGDXL8VlteLt26356k_Yh1OJODjOs-YScysNzW3OcBRXRPCtrvbkfMPhVtN_C-a5Y/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnQtFhfQazVA-s2YvYhk_cC5suHFxenPVbUHJoQK7EongNNTN3CIIP26BEuOcl4JcVqavxAGRNanqGDXL8VlteLt26356k_Yh1OJODjOs-YScysNzW3OcBRXRPCtrvbkfMPhVtN_C-a5Y/s320/124.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.C. Boscan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Who I adore. There is no rhyme or reason. Other than he is a solid, SOLID player who has been with the Braves organization forever. And yes, he's the catcher with the pretty green eyes. (Not that you can see that in this photo...)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmL7eWmFV3WL9o5IDeamDTmFFl5QJt3htu9hpatxA0qqh_AWimRHGb0a8g2GWv7-bOZjJanwBK4qAdxqt5vXyxuVtWMbsOBPhjd3rUMuQUWLzl1pvpa3Ru3i6-rU4-9H32Gk-126xdSFQ/s1600/126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmL7eWmFV3WL9o5IDeamDTmFFl5QJt3htu9hpatxA0qqh_AWimRHGb0a8g2GWv7-bOZjJanwBK4qAdxqt5vXyxuVtWMbsOBPhjd3rUMuQUWLzl1pvpa3Ru3i6-rU4-9H32Gk-126xdSFQ/s320/126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J-Hey</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>And that ended the game. I had a ton of fun, in spite of the loss. Lauren and Jennifer are good game companions and I hope to go to more with them! :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>OK. Now, here's the link-happy bit of the post: </div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://alyheartsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/04/phillies-vs-braves-game-2-09apr2011-bp.html">BP post for this game</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-15T18%3A45%3A00-04%3A00">Braves Love post about this game</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/APR09%20vs%20Phillies/">Photobucket album (with lots more photos)</a></span></li>
</ul><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-76032077493183093572011-04-18T22:31:00.007-04:002011-04-26T11:58:35.177-04:00Phillies vs. Braves, Game 2 [09APR2011] -- BP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> I'm exhausted... so I'm going to try to do this quickly as possible. The photos I present to you today are from batting practice for the April 9th game against the Phillies. Lauren, Molly, Cori, and I all sat together during batting practice... let me just say that while sitting too close to the field is possibly hazardous to your physical well-being, it is also a lot easier to take better photos. By the way, the Molly and Cori Batting Practice Commentary show was AWESOME. I love those girls. Come back to visit, soon! We have so much more baseball to watch!<br />
<br />
Here we go...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3tmaQLzsyoOB34JzkLtASAR9KU65gEtqZviJgEzPhbbey3xRFaUT2bZcW2wcsJbV9a65nv45EHJ2z52PMxsYLa2f1h8JO8-aFfP7OWVGsnWe4r92wmVyt765An_HC9_uuPTPxtBn7afm/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3tmaQLzsyoOB34JzkLtASAR9KU65gEtqZviJgEzPhbbey3xRFaUT2bZcW2wcsJbV9a65nv45EHJ2z52PMxsYLa2f1h8JO8-aFfP7OWVGsnWe4r92wmVyt765An_HC9_uuPTPxtBn7afm/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie: "Then they twist the thing with the other thing and pull the whole thing off."<br />
Meds: "Ugh... really?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityZTMq8YAsSf7IABG3V_AgHtMi9cjgeyOtbH9tR2_WkCPxft9iQqIr_HTCjnHeDwzKISfoxuQ2fus9rvesAQQNzKySiYD8fNiMdIXAna61iUgqY9LW8ntqVCEBL0Gc7ph1FBBCwf21-1t/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityZTMq8YAsSf7IABG3V_AgHtMi9cjgeyOtbH9tR2_WkCPxft9iQqIr_HTCjnHeDwzKISfoxuQ2fus9rvesAQQNzKySiYD8fNiMdIXAna61iUgqY9LW8ntqVCEBL0Gc7ph1FBBCwf21-1t/s320/013.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JC: "Now, see here!"<br />
Rossy: "... Well. Fine."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugVOCIzz6wqoejskHCh_jJoenCEMcj_uiHTLwApWm7J3nFXJwCyGMiBEqjRsDG1KqaSSh08TvOL2-Y9z0CUTHAfz7gTLodKe-3MhgnwyE2nJagmTYsL2ewVSb4vuwkY0rh-tJuJ2bVKQh/s1600/Shorties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugVOCIzz6wqoejskHCh_jJoenCEMcj_uiHTLwApWm7J3nFXJwCyGMiBEqjRsDG1KqaSSh08TvOL2-Y9z0CUTHAfz7gTLodKe-3MhgnwyE2nJagmTYsL2ewVSb4vuwkY0rh-tJuJ2bVKQh/s320/Shorties.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "shorties" :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv2dDqJuqOorjSbJWXDMLcS05qPUG2eiOO9SOFqob9qpdQ3pJnWBCBFujxlMympAtE9QlbI6pF_1qANSr4YcJN_AIhmMrVR2-emCkYCF7JDY0qnxCkaoQN3lvKVFFdf5RPzqbE-UVBJJ6/s1600/AB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv2dDqJuqOorjSbJWXDMLcS05qPUG2eiOO9SOFqob9qpdQ3pJnWBCBFujxlMympAtE9QlbI6pF_1qANSr4YcJN_AIhmMrVR2-emCkYCF7JDY0qnxCkaoQN3lvKVFFdf5RPzqbE-UVBJJ6/s320/AB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio Bastardo, Phillies relief pitcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Boy, did he do a lot of running. And boy, did people stare. :P<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU8s_M6MhGsIHnfPUe99p4vyyEktrwfc30o9yCUh0s4-qDuNibTdBieBRtSWnnLPl8_tSWsCP9GhwxSNzGXEElKIMELc5arEZYXVhEQz2PKHsr_mzv0umbvMW5g63chZlPqS0TZ8yUAzR/s1600/Joe+Blanton+Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU8s_M6MhGsIHnfPUe99p4vyyEktrwfc30o9yCUh0s4-qDuNibTdBieBRtSWnnLPl8_tSWsCP9GhwxSNzGXEElKIMELc5arEZYXVhEQz2PKHsr_mzv0umbvMW5g63chZlPqS0TZ8yUAzR/s320/Joe+Blanton+Q.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are these both Joe Blanton?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I ask if the above are both Joe Blanton... because the body types are the same. And the calves look the same. But why did he go change into his not-BP-uni after he'd already been out in his BP uni? These are the things that I want to know.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZqQHsaj_mR8nyh4MKj4WCFaGrlOGvALQJFpKXbup33akWYhFlA-9aUR_9Rr-nhjpH_vinaMFAH_cnw4xgI65mOcKSx9xxPfcBjb6xobF-RrPbbui8bE6Jip01m1B3nhRLx7f1zO9zJfj/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZqQHsaj_mR8nyh4MKj4WCFaGrlOGvALQJFpKXbup33akWYhFlA-9aUR_9Rr-nhjpH_vinaMFAH_cnw4xgI65mOcKSx9xxPfcBjb6xobF-RrPbbui8bE6Jip01m1B3nhRLx7f1zO9zJfj/s320/017.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DLowe. What. A. Boss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM59PPO_5a-Hx1H2QLU1bXzEL3MYkog8hyphenhyphen9Qok3fnSr9IEwKnKDWPzwLNlfhAQxwSLaI1k4mHwzbw7TZwhsaL3Tfqczg_AHe5uIfTDnAxjpnkQncRG8L8-1qtEan-7TmdueIY1PEETEXYc/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM59PPO_5a-Hx1H2QLU1bXzEL3MYkog8hyphenhyphen9Qok3fnSr9IEwKnKDWPzwLNlfhAQxwSLaI1k4mHwzbw7TZwhsaL3Tfqczg_AHe5uIfTDnAxjpnkQncRG8L8-1qtEan-7TmdueIY1PEETEXYc/s320/019.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmarteen... <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7K-xSqsUP0vz-txjeYHmzyt7-5Q9eO1gb3eTxerupmTQ8DqSitp8UXpBtQQbjzIemGkCOtPi7ygho3gJUxbEZ2QnQYV8PQ4NUhVVvG30_u7wH6_pZhBO271B9a33Qrw_2Cv1FoGpn82S/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7K-xSqsUP0vz-txjeYHmzyt7-5Q9eO1gb3eTxerupmTQ8DqSitp8UXpBtQQbjzIemGkCOtPi7ygho3gJUxbEZ2QnQYV8PQ4NUhVVvG30_u7wH6_pZhBO271B9a33Qrw_2Cv1FoGpn82S/s320/026.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buds: Kimmie + EOF</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7Z_iy-0sfgHNnLup7wlSih_HGsNx9ULXBBNugZrriofBoiWaT8Bz-ZCOTOzhgdzHA_Hb877QInmLPZM30SOA-y95Mn5MKZ_05cACk3Qrbyly8Zq-viNa5Tp3O7BEvd_QWEDZlkuwrVlt/s1600/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7Z_iy-0sfgHNnLup7wlSih_HGsNx9ULXBBNugZrriofBoiWaT8Bz-ZCOTOzhgdzHA_Hb877QInmLPZM30SOA-y95Mn5MKZ_05cACk3Qrbyly8Zq-viNa5Tp3O7BEvd_QWEDZlkuwrVlt/s320/028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running partners: Huddy + Linebrink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ok. Mr. Linebrink's hair reminded me of Cute Dads from the Lawrenceville Braves Caravan. Rad. For real.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AYsptGje7GD_ajY9evBWD_aANTaJwd3QqmCJ_NtlEyAAdChuqmtzUHge057okieN4E3d_fQTOw3jQeQuu2jUoXj3Zf0mZqLoTbzql-0ZYcRMV6HbXnrTY2v9ZlG288drso7tkQ_ZhKb1/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AYsptGje7GD_ajY9evBWD_aANTaJwd3QqmCJ_NtlEyAAdChuqmtzUHge057okieN4E3d_fQTOw3jQeQuu2jUoXj3Zf0mZqLoTbzql-0ZYcRMV6HbXnrTY2v9ZlG288drso7tkQ_ZhKb1/s320/032.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if you really needed more things in your pockets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Craig Kimbrel does not need to put things in his pockets. I simply cannot fathom how he is able to fit a bottle of water (YES I KNOW IT'S A <i><b>BABY DASANI</b></i>, NOT A REGULAR DASANI, BLAH BLAH BLAH) in his back pockets. Just saying.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Ck0k_NKyvkImyYb1-s7GlJYfgCjDht1DtX7hp3aV6S3d7AO586XomDESlzql0mOKe1mxIMGj_-AzL5rESjUyYT-XLZ3HMXYNnGNAe3qL1SZHkj_JM9uqCpFDBnunincGMWFXWgtLhe6/s1600/034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Ck0k_NKyvkImyYb1-s7GlJYfgCjDht1DtX7hp3aV6S3d7AO586XomDESlzql0mOKe1mxIMGj_-AzL5rESjUyYT-XLZ3HMXYNnGNAe3qL1SZHkj_JM9uqCpFDBnunincGMWFXWgtLhe6/s320/034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it, Martín!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTwoEK82Bau1iDTYG3-Z2f5eClfG-KfevNqbgjZY3cRpqk2xuLe9n809DPig8NYK1PeNP9jYlPkvHgmGdJQkbuuNESD1Ey-8qov3NqtMOeJTcqiJSRYf8_f62FTB5_2-lMdbduet3lJoR/s1600/036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTwoEK82Bau1iDTYG3-Z2f5eClfG-KfevNqbgjZY3cRpqk2xuLe9n809DPig8NYK1PeNP9jYlPkvHgmGdJQkbuuNESD1Ey-8qov3NqtMOeJTcqiJSRYf8_f62FTB5_2-lMdbduet3lJoR/s320/036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley Huddy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This happened a little while we (Molly, Cori, Lauren, and I) were discussing whether or not Molly should shout "Roll Tide!" at Huddy. Not sure this picture picture would have happened if the decision had been made to shout it... :P However, I'm sure that shouting it at Kimmie (especially because Molly is so adorbz) would have gotten a smile out of him... bigger than the one below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclStggIbjELfzBrAcjvBL8Lrusx39XG6h9bYJmMpAR3agI5ROy_Lofe33EKWgH8mZgfHUi5ydhH0vba83H2s0Jvl6jn15WAE9gp0KcDBJuQExOkoM2E5ShzVw6q-u6rLZvOwxHBKGgZB7/s1600/038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclStggIbjELfzBrAcjvBL8Lrusx39XG6h9bYJmMpAR3agI5ROy_Lofe33EKWgH8mZgfHUi5ydhH0vba83H2s0Jvl6jn15WAE9gp0KcDBJuQExOkoM2E5ShzVw6q-u6rLZvOwxHBKGgZB7/s320/038.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does he not just look so damn pleased with himself? <br />
Love it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa3T-TqiztMUEt7YJuNeZMlF5CvpdH5bR6dEIisaawQc7modqpAHX1u8e2uPz2_i5W-2v5U3-qP5WEbH3TOmhEdwglnDqfvqQ8C9oZ6_iSZFrFw1W2b5Um0Qabyw2e4f4SfCyrYxMFpM4/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa3T-TqiztMUEt7YJuNeZMlF5CvpdH5bR6dEIisaawQc7modqpAHX1u8e2uPz2_i5W-2v5U3-qP5WEbH3TOmhEdwglnDqfvqQ8C9oZ6_iSZFrFw1W2b5Um0Qabyw2e4f4SfCyrYxMFpM4/s320/Copy+of+IMG_9570.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly the BEST Jonny Venters pic<br />
I've ever had the pleasure of snapping. <3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5aIyQEOX6w3JFXYaIk_uLEYtQ3UR-HUxTB_ogwv4bFHTC72B7q5tfJttneUeMTj1C6fBWalUR-rgZ7F5iHWuvP4NyaW9kH3-ncE0rrhpX2wJS4NxqHWVqb5f27mlr24kcF5jAuGsDI1c/s1600/047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5aIyQEOX6w3JFXYaIk_uLEYtQ3UR-HUxTB_ogwv4bFHTC72B7q5tfJttneUeMTj1C6fBWalUR-rgZ7F5iHWuvP4NyaW9kH3-ncE0rrhpX2wJS4NxqHWVqb5f27mlr24kcF5jAuGsDI1c/s320/047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EOF: "RUN JONNY RUN!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTIw1bSYKRs3JAQkEZfEkzAMeA-6NJh5c_LCMZ4woQOsIy4WjKuQu9uKxktjUrDx0Xyh96IB5-NvI4j8Co3WaEBd_7kXOILw3lgz8jOP6TTpXuLzRIbxfIzp7pqbzvvyipbNRghcNyh_X/s1600/What%2527s+that.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTIw1bSYKRs3JAQkEZfEkzAMeA-6NJh5c_LCMZ4woQOsIy4WjKuQu9uKxktjUrDx0Xyh96IB5-NvI4j8Co3WaEBd_7kXOILw3lgz8jOP6TTpXuLzRIbxfIzp7pqbzvvyipbNRghcNyh_X/s400/What%2527s+that.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimmie: "Psst. Whatcha lookin' at?"<br />
Jonny: "That one. The one with the lens."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is what I think they think when I get caught pointing my camera at them... sigh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoax1pH_fj-QBRD25lH-Dy1NhGXGW67_HxKZhdI1Ym8_j7hXx0wnHwI2_RF5G2n9smEbJkn3JciS5sK29EmvPzEuFkpNvkhrb6VbhaBKlKCE2bwgBzVD9i5SAZ2L3JqxIcICSLwnB5Jor/s1600/Meds+ovation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoax1pH_fj-QBRD25lH-Dy1NhGXGW67_HxKZhdI1Ym8_j7hXx0wnHwI2_RF5G2n9smEbJkn3JciS5sK29EmvPzEuFkpNvkhrb6VbhaBKlKCE2bwgBzVD9i5SAZ2L3JqxIcICSLwnB5Jor/s320/Meds+ovation.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, Lauren called to my attention that Peter Moylan appeared to be cheerleading. OBVIOUSLY, this needed to be captured on camera. But when I pointed my camera over there, I saw Kris Medlen. Waving his hat. As if to accept the applause of an audience that only he, Tommy Hanson (coughwhoneedsahaircutcough), and Moylo could see. LOVE. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuBn4hWtideimQYkgmV-Knyv5aZ1uYRRFHiZdJsI3MCneNZtUOtoUDGmTnADM-r84aUpmBUUO500jUpvDX8YhQs_70RygTSwsHpaIyqABLZfWlZc9473qxCP_Y24rna6_eQmB2W1M0Ay8/s1600/057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuBn4hWtideimQYkgmV-Knyv5aZ1uYRRFHiZdJsI3MCneNZtUOtoUDGmTnADM-r84aUpmBUUO500jUpvDX8YhQs_70RygTSwsHpaIyqABLZfWlZc9473qxCP_Y24rna6_eQmB2W1M0Ay8/s320/057.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Meds. <br />
FYI: That wave isn't Miss USA/pageant enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCny57BFdqtwArnSxFb_aTCfEBDCqsREjIi1jjT3iSbD6hq4sgOrSXNQNywNGaaqU_g-xAlarBGWFZyGNFvNE2JLVEiYd6rILCHObb2pFX8sd02wgVP9r1W1kcnUhjb6osVCPwwLgAbD1I/s1600/059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCny57BFdqtwArnSxFb_aTCfEBDCqsREjIi1jjT3iSbD6hq4sgOrSXNQNywNGaaqU_g-xAlarBGWFZyGNFvNE2JLVEiYd6rILCHObb2pFX8sd02wgVP9r1W1kcnUhjb6osVCPwwLgAbD1I/s320/059.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I could see the sleeves, Moylo... </td></tr>
</tbody></table> And then it was time for Phillies batting practice. I snapped a couple photos, and then I stopped caring because my stomach started to growl. I'm rather grumpy when I'm hungry. And by rather grumpy, I mean, I start to get downright irritable. So I demanded that we find food to eat. The Joe Blanton photos are the ones during Phillies BP. Bastardo was running during Braves BP. Back and forth. Back and forth. Right past all four pairs of our female eyes. Yes. That did happen.<br />
<br />
GAME WARM UP TIME!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4U1AsRuhz_WxFo1O451gHVutXUrRxuWgEQy8b5mzA2k_tPTQs9SdH6xKU2ADDDgMw3VZocZ23H8OLIBW6h-SXds1rJpsm55aw_lNul8zx5hsdDD9avGWqEf4j7FKZ8q2YqQdDqAdZMRo/s1600/069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4U1AsRuhz_WxFo1O451gHVutXUrRxuWgEQy8b5mzA2k_tPTQs9SdH6xKU2ADDDgMw3VZocZ23H8OLIBW6h-SXds1rJpsm55aw_lNul8zx5hsdDD9avGWqEf4j7FKZ8q2YqQdDqAdZMRo/s320/069.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome pitching coach Roger McDowell.<br />
Is that not the biggest smile?</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ65u9pN7rgtv202cao9cGxzB8hppU9bqtiuLWqoQoDQ6qRXMn3H79KTg892oANs61dRQGdzCSoKskvPu8OKq0xaov4pSzx8udmigY3-XxlfxBhN4I7RGn2H-trvcj4bavhtKOgV4EoOE/s1600/Beachy+Hype.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ65u9pN7rgtv202cao9cGxzB8hppU9bqtiuLWqoQoDQ6qRXMn3H79KTg892oANs61dRQGdzCSoKskvPu8OKq0xaov4pSzx8udmigY3-XxlfxBhN4I7RGn2H-trvcj4bavhtKOgV4EoOE/s640/Beachy+Hype.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Beachy's How to Pump Yourself Up Before a Start</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Look at him half-strut stompin' over to the outfield towards the bullpen. So in control. LOVE it. PS--This is about when Jennifer magically appeared out of thin air! Molly, Cori, and her brother Ryan were in the outfield, but Lauren obtained 3 tickets from friends (hi Ch) which J and I laid claim to as well... Yes, please. Thank you.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DrzeVhnXa8GkHGXDLntf_SL0kQLzc9ZHe06bGvH2u8cpGwUZeUJYRikprHhrfTTkZk64Ua-UFbZRYPd3Abyz4MFoYT3xWsEAhqOv9ouwDtFbHxy0CyOTihkNFo24NyakvRDMkGt5O_e7/s1600/070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DrzeVhnXa8GkHGXDLntf_SL0kQLzc9ZHe06bGvH2u8cpGwUZeUJYRikprHhrfTTkZk64Ua-UFbZRYPd3Abyz4MFoYT3xWsEAhqOv9ouwDtFbHxy0CyOTihkNFo24NyakvRDMkGt5O_e7/s320/070.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMac: "All right. This is the game plan..."<br />
Beachy: "We've got this."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrLxUkHk_fGj1HOagMyt8LWMkrHIL1J2_4hWMavpb8a4NhkG5xBAX7JThV4rFWZr6O51UPOHguMjjc5wgp4PCR86kqhbne38J-wmiBsGS3Ku47Mm6e-I1XdFdPqTZLVw_9xZ9KEb0l-p0/s1600/073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrLxUkHk_fGj1HOagMyt8LWMkrHIL1J2_4hWMavpb8a4NhkG5xBAX7JThV4rFWZr6O51UPOHguMjjc5wgp4PCR86kqhbne38J-wmiBsGS3Ku47Mm6e-I1XdFdPqTZLVw_9xZ9KEb0l-p0/s320/073.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwinnett County Represent! Brian McCann</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40cGsr3mwnz9wIUBWBkYUZzX3ZgZXN15fB0AvMniecunjtQnejxjo2cOMOS4TD6Q3RfvMfSRxristK6CTrv-BhT3Z_6kBlvT8JzPTlt8mxbkuLi2r1FQjiIu0F4ZG7f1RnxWyRZLKctpf/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40cGsr3mwnz9wIUBWBkYUZzX3ZgZXN15fB0AvMniecunjtQnejxjo2cOMOS4TD6Q3RfvMfSRxristK6CTrv-BhT3Z_6kBlvT8JzPTlt8mxbkuLi2r1FQjiIu0F4ZG7f1RnxWyRZLKctpf/s320/IMG_9743.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>So anything that I combined into one picture, or, in the case of Brandon Beachy, made into a comic can be found as individual photos in the <b><a href="http://s787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/bqyklove/Braves%202011/APR09%20vs%20Phillies/">Photobucket album</a></b> <s>(which I have yet to upload; I'll provide the link when I do)</s>. Lauren's post about this game is over at <a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-15T18%3A45%3A00-04%3A00">Braves Love</a>, which was, as usual, written in a more timely manner. She also remembered more details from BP... and the game. I don't remember much these days... Yes, yes, I'm behind. I know.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also, please note... that I only posted TWO (2) Martín Prado photos. Look at the restraint that I showed! You should be VERY proud of me.</div><div><br />
<div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-35217109605391695782011-04-15T12:08:00.010-04:002011-04-15T13:42:40.807-04:00The Number 14<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pradoma01.shtml">Martín Prado</a> is an under-the-radar talent. Fans, sportswriters, and many managers alike must have giant blinders in their radar to miss such a massive blip. It would be like if <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov">Stanislav Petrov</a> hadn't even noticed an incoming nuclear strike. As much as I deeply respect Bobby Cox, it took our beloved, ever-ejectable skipper a terribly long time to realize that Prado was clearly an enhancement over <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnske05.shtml">Kelly Johnson</a> at second base.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://storage.feems.com/Prado.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
As <a href="http://latinosports.com/featured/martin-prado-the-star-nobody-knows.html">this</a> handy little article points out, Prado is a pivotal player for the Braves' success. About the 2010 season:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">"When he hits, the Braves usually win. On July 8, 2010, he was leading the majors with 121 hits and a .325 batting average. In fact, his ability to reach base and wreak havoc prompted then-manager Bobby Cox to promote him to the leadoff spot in May. From that moment until his injury, the Braves went 44-25.</span>"<br />
<br />
Yes, it's painful to think how we might have done in the San Francisco series with Mr. Prado in the lineup. Our <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/infanom01.shtml">other</a> under-appreciated [gross understatement] Venezuelan from 2010 was our only reliable source of offense in that series. As a lifelong, die-hard Braves fan, I sincerely want everyone to understand just how important Martín Prado has been to our team already in the years he has been with us.<br />
<br />
His numbers speak for themselves. Those are why he is now our reliable leadoff hitter and why he was an obvious choice for last year's all-star team. As for the intangibles, let me speak for him. Prado is the best anyone could ask for in a team player. He doesn't moan about how, after so many years, he has yet to make the money that is usually doled out for players of his numerical stature. And even though he is a centerpiece of our team, he gladly moved from the infield, a collective of positions for which he'd spent his entire career training, to left field, saying:<br />
<br />
<i>“It’s a big change... but it’s a new challenge. I’m taking it professionally, trying to help my team as much as I can. I played the infield all my career so moving the outfield is going to be a long learning process. But I’m working on it.”</i><br />
<br />
Where did this guy come from? He's too perfect. He's a breath of fresh air in a profession that has been so completely commercialized. His presence on the field reminds us that it's just a game, a beautiful game that is endlessly compelling to watch. For a moment, whenever I watch him play, I forget the trauma I've incurred over the years, starting as a kid who loved baseball, watching the magic of the 1998 season crumble slowly to pieces as the epidemic of body modification was revealed. The hidden monster.<br />
<br />
There's another reason why Martín transcends that whole era that made many fans of the game suffer deep existential crises. From 1998 through 2000, I wasn't just tuned into the exploits of McGwire and Sosa. I was watching close to every Braves game those years, glued to the TV and rapt in the ballpark, to see the most potent Braves offense since the Henry Aaron [unequivocal home run king] days. The anchor at cleanup in that offense was <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/galaran01.shtml">Andrés Galarraga</a>, my personal favorite player. Not only was he a power bat from that era absolutely clean of steroid rumors, not only was he an acrobatic first baseman who regularly made spectacular plays despite his big frame [why he was dubbed 'The Big Cat' or 'El Gato Grande'], not only was he a smiling, enduring good influence in his personal life, but he also survived a near-death experience with lymphoma during the 1999 season. In 2000, he came back, and hit .302, 28HRs, and 100 RBI in 141 games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://storage.feems.com/galarraga.jpg" /></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%;">Photo: John Iacono/SI</span></div><br />
When I say Prado reminds me why I love baseball, it's primarily because of who he is, what he does on the field, and how he comports himself as a person. More than that, he reminds me so much of El Gato I noticed one day that he and Andrés share the same number as Braves, #14. Sure enough, it didn't take much research to find that it was a tangible connection:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">“I grew up watching Andres Galarraga,” Prado said of his fellow Venezuelan, who wore the same number while playing for the same Atlanta Braves. “He set a good example for a lot of kids and a lot of ballplayers. I have worn No. 14 since I was a little kid.”</span><br />
<br />
Galarraga's is a special story, and it should always be remembered in the pantheon of Braves history, the longest such history in modern pro sports. Prado, in so many ways, continues Galarraga's legacy, and I think Martín can, in the future, become a Braves legend with an even deeper legacy than that of Andrés. As we move forward in this 2011 season, let us not forget one of our best players, and let us as fans be as loud as we can that the Braves offer Martín arbitration through 2014 after this season, and give him the fat paycheck the market says he deserves after that.<br />
<br />
One more quote:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"> "He reported to spring training this year with a new physique, 14 pounds lighter than last year</span>"Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08708917548323464774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2156349602264231587.post-69347894608087584682011-04-15T09:42:00.003-04:002011-04-19T20:59:31.747-04:00Phillies vs. Braves, Game 1 [08APR2011/Home Opener]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As anybody who knows me even remotely should know, I think one of the best days of the year is the first home game of the season. Last year, the Home Opener was Opening Day... But this year, Opening Day was on the road (boo), but we socked it to the Nats (yay!). Anyway, yes, yes... yadda yadda yadda, I know. Nobody cares about this rambling. So I'll get on with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So our crew (Lauren + cousins and Aly + friends) sat in section 328. Let me describe it for you: You see a foul pole that doesn't really obstruct your view (but makes taking decent photos a pain), there is PASTA (and it is really delicious), it's nice and breezy with a decent view of the stadium, and the bathrooms are clean. Am I gonna be able to call balls and strikes from where I was sitting? Absolutely not. But am I going to shout about "bad calls" from all the way up there? Hell yes. I screamed myself hoarse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ANYWAY. I got to meet my Alternate-Me, Molly, who was in town to see the Braves with her friends (hi Cori) and her brother (hi Ryan). I swear, Molly and I are the same... we just live in alternate universes... and those universes collide at Turner Field. Right. On with it. Less rambling. Sorry, still working on that. So, of course, I go to batting practice... and I do what I do... messing with my camera, taking photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Y'all. I took 400+ photos... and I only got about 15 of them that even looked like they were worth a damn! So frustrating! I just could not figure out what I was doing wrong: no matter what I changed the settings to... either overexposed or underexposed. Either shutter speed was too fast (photos WAY too dark as a result) or too slow (photos very blurry). And my camera can get quite heavy; the thing is at least 7-8 years old! Newer models are lighter. Anyhow, I did manage to get a few decent shots... but nothing I would call extraordinary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel bad, because I like to think that I take pretty good photos, and it just seems that I was simply unable to. And at our home opener, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5LkiUkbCfFHz4UW45HzeEnWlZoOnkEY41jNz7pcky3q7ykDVMCUAZgAWs75di_ZujMR2bkxQ-eXL0qK6OAnD01FSfSuHiOkbQPe0_4vL11ZiDGLFxcK9pmEfh8NbfrzlO0rPNX6dh-0F/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5LkiUkbCfFHz4UW45HzeEnWlZoOnkEY41jNz7pcky3q7ykDVMCUAZgAWs75di_ZujMR2bkxQ-eXL0qK6OAnD01FSfSuHiOkbQPe0_4vL11ZiDGLFxcK9pmEfh8NbfrzlO0rPNX6dh-0F/s320/001.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris Medlen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglduuoDcrBBRG_YchEtcm-DwYrVLPD5DH2Sq4iZ9HOg_UGPjS_XIJbqf20VIT76aFn1rKa6QXqxFmM4hza8QyssziaFz-2T_T5TFowuhHBfJUL3Nfz5TCv5PtytEkZcGk9yZZN-iI0Xp-O/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglduuoDcrBBRG_YchEtcm-DwYrVLPD5DH2Sq4iZ9HOg_UGPjS_XIJbqf20VIT76aFn1rKa6QXqxFmM4hza8QyssziaFz-2T_T5TFowuhHBfJUL3Nfz5TCv5PtytEkZcGk9yZZN-iI0Xp-O/s320/002.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric O'Flaherty</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d9AzBkf5VYhC-Zt5U9IzvoIv6WcF0Se8dO_x0gwMv8FbXjQIZoOim-g8Kau35_ZNeZ8ZCyU0UB5RcRGbyd3-fvXsY508cWTbRUCrYajXbamFG5e5p0EQH_I4Pi51Tdmmvet6KDY7aA8x/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d9AzBkf5VYhC-Zt5U9IzvoIv6WcF0Se8dO_x0gwMv8FbXjQIZoOim-g8Kau35_ZNeZ8ZCyU0UB5RcRGbyd3-fvXsY508cWTbRUCrYajXbamFG5e5p0EQH_I4Pi51Tdmmvet6KDY7aA8x/s320/005.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EOF, Jonny Venters, & Brandon Beachy<br />
(<a href="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd105/Braves_Love/Braves%20vs%20Phillies%204-8-11/DSCN12331280x959.jpg">Lauren's version is better</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjcD4NMNp7Tb4zwtLFqLD55oaIU8V2ccOnzKfdaY8evGAV8RK77RL_vE0phyphenhyphen3nQ3O5-2IAOfzd0O1ZykRAjs_j-l4j9Ego7Xl7YECotuLl8inv3TUV_NXWYePsYS3D9iwkVs13Ig5ltyU/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjcD4NMNp7Tb4zwtLFqLD55oaIU8V2ccOnzKfdaY8evGAV8RK77RL_vE0phyphenhyphen3nQ3O5-2IAOfzd0O1ZykRAjs_j-l4j9Ego7Xl7YECotuLl8inv3TUV_NXWYePsYS3D9iwkVs13Ig5ltyU/s320/006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know who this is... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiNjhbsdoyRcmxHIFLuJYcnOacaNiIVn7EIGtfFqQzoT4y3LFKlfuwjcZ-27Zvm-qB9Xyx1LpelpCh6yMw7eiZQXSKHaLmeTSuDWC82PROwg93V9Bi44QEoH_hOJMzmlV0Lx3GuAIsoJv/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiNjhbsdoyRcmxHIFLuJYcnOacaNiIVn7EIGtfFqQzoT4y3LFKlfuwjcZ-27Zvm-qB9Xyx1LpelpCh6yMw7eiZQXSKHaLmeTSuDWC82PROwg93V9Bi44QEoH_hOJMzmlV0Lx3GuAIsoJv/s320/007.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC. I'm pretending that he's wearing a Blue Jays uni with a number 32 on the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYhbYEIEENTnOtMiXEFvKSKbDNy1HFGUbmuhIaKvKf-6-3rQ7ZocO9rEZKWPgg42BE8Wp1za9S80P0tYPLhCINE41KBxn6_EUyR5H6feq0PjbHqctaOb3GXKIkqcDRlQiScD-Cd-YALJ2/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYhbYEIEENTnOtMiXEFvKSKbDNy1HFGUbmuhIaKvKf-6-3rQ7ZocO9rEZKWPgg42BE8Wp1za9S80P0tYPLhCINE41KBxn6_EUyR5H6feq0PjbHqctaOb3GXKIkqcDRlQiScD-Cd-YALJ2/s320/008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly and I both agreed that Tommy Hanson might need a haircut. <br />
...However, not all of us think he does<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8lpV-3-4aIoBZU-WmGFlm0lFOtD34rTf4paezUk3AuNPNYJjx18To9vTA34S_m0xfJmb2nB_Eo5tJK0Q5cZRWRprSlrojKSKmLtO9qYQO_AJPruu1O3J5VkIoCD6asqTLFOhBoPFOfmc/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8lpV-3-4aIoBZU-WmGFlm0lFOtD34rTf4paezUk3AuNPNYJjx18To9vTA34S_m0xfJmb2nB_Eo5tJK0Q5cZRWRprSlrojKSKmLtO9qYQO_AJPruu1O3J5VkIoCD6asqTLFOhBoPFOfmc/s320/009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MADDUX JERSEY. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let me just take a minute and pause to say that I loved Greg Maddux. He was my very favorite Braves player. Also, he wore glasses, and that fascinated me, when I was a child. I was a glasses kid as well, and other kids at school used to make fun of me for being a nerd and call me "four eyes." Doesn't seem so bad as an adult, I guess, but as a gawky child? I used to wonder if his teammates used to call him Four Eyes until they realized how amazingly good he was.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzlipIZU_E2nUns8A5-kAtmyzwuX0HzRHQiUQ_xFI-MHTmZzSV0GSzhCX5OemFNmGONQ82QycXdbRkqNqmUGxdGgkuW7eoO2Q0aaS9yA1mSx1M0C2yh2sOdbCyziGgPRAGYmc37Fi1MTV/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzlipIZU_E2nUns8A5-kAtmyzwuX0HzRHQiUQ_xFI-MHTmZzSV0GSzhCX5OemFNmGONQ82QycXdbRkqNqmUGxdGgkuW7eoO2Q0aaS9yA1mSx1M0C2yh2sOdbCyziGgPRAGYmc37Fi1MTV/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Madson, yelling at some fan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Back story: normally, when a fan starts heckling players from the other team, I don't generally mind if they sass them back. I mean, if you dish it, you'd better know how to take it, too. If the player ignores them, that's fine. Hell, even if they player flipped the fan off--I'd laugh and think it was funny. In my opinion, that's what you get for yelling obscenities or whatever at a player who was minding his own business and just happens to be wearing different laundry than your team is. But Ryan Madson yelled back, as a comeback: "Yeah, where are your team's after-school programs?" or something to that effect.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Um. What? That's the best you've got, Madson? Seriously. That's not even a comeback! It's like a badly scripted movie... like "The Room." (Do NOT look it up unless you enjoy REALLY terrible movies. I'm talking painfully and fascinatingly terrible. Otherwise, save yourself the outrage that you wasted 1+ hour of your life for it.) And the thing is, I used to think he was pretty. Nope, not anymore. See, insult that fan? Fine. But no. You went and insulted our TEAM. Which leads me to rage mode: "GO BACK TO PHILADELPHIA. NOBODY LIKES YOU. AND YOU'RE DUMB." [Ok, I'm sure he's a nice enough guy and all that. But come on now. Either come up with something clever that'll make the heckler feel dumb, or be the bigger person and ignore them.]<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDxOhmHXkJypc998la8K4XUVuHaEAzdnwa4wY90Yk0QAXF6itcE70cAL69SgjlW7MYjRztD13a4OI2PpmdYV3_JtyKimKh_80Z3Co_LCHpBHSdJWP9IEEMPOt5eL3x6O5UI3nX0kPFLt5/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDxOhmHXkJypc998la8K4XUVuHaEAzdnwa4wY90Yk0QAXF6itcE70cAL69SgjlW7MYjRztD13a4OI2PpmdYV3_JtyKimKh_80Z3Co_LCHpBHSdJWP9IEEMPOt5eL3x6O5UI3nX0kPFLt5/s320/011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy and Meds do NOT approve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After that, we started going towards our seats and thinking about getting food. I knew there was pasta in the club level. And let me tell you, that line was worth the wait. It was delicious and garlicky and vegetable-y and probably entirely bad for you, but I don't care. Also, it was, like, a pound of food.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We got to our seats just in time to see the boys running out with all the sparklers (? I think that's what they're called...) and fanfare and the flag and all that jazz. Bobby Cox threw out the first pitch, and Fredi Gonzalez caught it. It was a beautiful and heartwarming moment. Everything was right in the world. I took that moment to remind everybody that in spite of our losing streak, and in spite of the fact that we were facing a top-tier Yankee-killing pitcher, the Braves were going to chase Cliff Lee out of the game by battering him with runs. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I tried to take photos, but again, they didn't turn out well... the following were what I ended up with... MARTIN WAS SOCKS UP. That is all.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbmNox-TNGAIORtG3vBlo1tS5CkCHE5RUbAczTpjax9In6SHcxjzJT7Lxgy_hUcN-wf2n6niXx7rUPO_PIG0WjXH8lER2RleuDoieVs5muR2vYqfWi9R70oFVDLLedcS8WnOrXqC9DgwZ/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbmNox-TNGAIORtG3vBlo1tS5CkCHE5RUbAczTpjax9In6SHcxjzJT7Lxgy_hUcN-wf2n6niXx7rUPO_PIG0WjXH8lER2RleuDoieVs5muR2vYqfWi9R70oFVDLLedcS8WnOrXqC9DgwZ/s320/015.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raul Ibanez</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezhe172utmBfbfhgORn0IJ2-LwRouPZDdSjnQYFJslV5ZSIhx5qUaO2iebLx5U0a9Ewr4XSjvrFKi9Y046KE7hIOV3ZmjtQdF7328BgdfRLcMGVbGDcit6pmdnZ0byLftJ25vlblPCKRb/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezhe172utmBfbfhgORn0IJ2-LwRouPZDdSjnQYFJslV5ZSIhx5qUaO2iebLx5U0a9Ewr4XSjvrFKi9Y046KE7hIOV3ZmjtQdF7328BgdfRLcMGVbGDcit6pmdnZ0byLftJ25vlblPCKRb/s320/016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOCKS UP MARTIN PRADO</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXDLiSrKbBmZ4QahiJnXRut4WbqhLcFuz15hyphenhyphenKp9pTm9Yi98sC0UEtyxQQRczF1mKwNupNz6_bf7yPs9u0Lvdp38yYnp3txc58tGvC0Uj02yjdQ9mEZqCabZdKBtcgCoZK1WrhYUuOc72/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXDLiSrKbBmZ4QahiJnXRut4WbqhLcFuz15hyphenhyphenKp9pTm9Yi98sC0UEtyxQQRczF1mKwNupNz6_bf7yPs9u0Lvdp38yYnp3txc58tGvC0Uj02yjdQ9mEZqCabZdKBtcgCoZK1WrhYUuOc72/s320/017.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BUBBLE GUM</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9MjluXmdkdblP4hS-bfh7dWxJ1egQihHiZDU7okNL-WgiamL53-nruP3vTxMRe54qVeyH3Ck_u_t6iywZIK6NWutuBCTrnLRPdpmcmTqTGXjoeCcazdn2iazIHC_xzgFs7cjU9DW4vBS/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9MjluXmdkdblP4hS-bfh7dWxJ1egQihHiZDU7okNL-WgiamL53-nruP3vTxMRe54qVeyH3Ck_u_t6iywZIK6NWutuBCTrnLRPdpmcmTqTGXjoeCcazdn2iazIHC_xzgFs7cjU9DW4vBS/s320/018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Uggla: *SMACK* "Good work, Huddy!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9FYOCjpTo_SU6hL3TO5mQOjWENLyxXM_eR57vwcgZSsqdqLZU6JHi88GEVJShDRIOZm2bW1C6wtq2njBjKZFjv5Cz6P7l6Q946XZ4zwF3WouIVc2M-XMVcMGaSx4O4-_yBTaOXzVd3Nw/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9FYOCjpTo_SU6hL3TO5mQOjWENLyxXM_eR57vwcgZSsqdqLZU6JHi88GEVJShDRIOZm2bW1C6wtq2njBjKZFjv5Cz6P7l6Q946XZ4zwF3WouIVc2M-XMVcMGaSx4O4-_yBTaOXzVd3Nw/s320/019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Kimbrel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUnB07SLbIDyBLkeIx6UZSX3jabH0fQOEIZN-KGMTdddbNgz1gt1EA6gxj8oNmz4Y2YyaTV-6i0mQ1She4gdK6sG37vZFNYYGDKkqu1vdI2qtcBtzfXWulvAZSrS6gTA0yDjkaJcStb3w/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUnB07SLbIDyBLkeIx6UZSX3jabH0fQOEIZN-KGMTdddbNgz1gt1EA6gxj8oNmz4Y2YyaTV-6i0mQ1She4gdK6sG37vZFNYYGDKkqu1vdI2qtcBtzfXWulvAZSrS6gTA0yDjkaJcStb3w/s320/020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipper Jones (for Eric)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Yes, that's all the photos I have that were remotely worth sharing. Game 2 will be better. Promise. Until then... here is the <a href="http://braveslove.blogspot.com/2011/04/game-day-pictures-braves-vs-phillies-4.html">link to Lauren's corresponding post</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6