The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Hello Boys and Girls, the Ted Turner Memoirs continues and today's June 4th, you know what that means? Time for a little midseason amatuer drafting.


Not that we've had all kinds of time to properly scout or even think about the future beyond this season, but a quick look at the roster yields, that we have for the most part a very young team.

Chipper Jones and third base looks like a glaring problem though, so we use our 1st round pick to grab a 20 year old third baseman Julio Gomez. It was tough going with him with B potential, as there was a guy 3 spots down that was A potential, but a complete Pablo Sandoval clone and I don't do well with that player type... so I had to reluctantly pass on the potential. I hope that doesn't come back to bite us...

Julio Gomez.

We will be following his progress throughout this thread of vengeance so keep a look out for more on the Braves player of the future A young thirdbasemen from the Domincan Republic with an excellent glove, and capabilities to hit the ball all over the park. Welcome to the franchise Mr. Gomez...

Braves Slam by Cubbies

Atlanta continued their winning ways grabbing a win vs. the Chicago Cubs. Melky Cabrera added some insurance with a pinch hit solo blast to straightaway centerfield. Marlon Byrd tried to rob it, but c'mon Byrd man.. you ain't Griffey Jr.

Billy Wagner had his first trouble of the season in a save situation, giving up a two out HR to Alfonso Soriano. It would take an additional 23 pitches to get that final out, but the Cubs stranded two baserunners in scoring position, as Wagner did what he does best, and that's close da door!

Lou Pinella
They are who we thought they were... The Braves are who we thought they were... but when you got bums like Melky Cabrera hitting pinch hit homeruns... how can ya win?

Only in Chicago... Sheesh.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Wagner Notches 400th Career Save at Great American ballpark

A very fitting day for one of the old time greats at saves. I remember growing up watching Billy Wagner back in the day when he rolled with the Houston Astros. I loved watching him throw his tantalizing 100 miles an hour fastball. I laughed at the story of how he decided to teach himself how to be good left handed because his right hand kept getting hurt.

It was an amazing ride then, and it's great to see him within this game, and in the real major leagues, keeping his form and not falling off the planet. The world will be a different place when Hoffman, and Rivera hang em up... but now it's time to hold that same respect for our left handed friend.

MLB Career Saves

Career Saves	SV
1. Trevor Hoffman	600	1.
2. Mariano Rivera	556	2.
3. Lee Smith	478	3.
4. Julio Franco	424	4.
5. Billy Wagner	400	5.

The Braves went 8-2 in their last 10 games. To move within 1 game of first place in the Wildcard. Smoltz wrapped up the series against the reds going the full distance, and only allowing 3 hits and a single run.


Our next scheduled start is at Fenway park vs. the Red Sox, and then a home game vs. the New York Yankees. Should be an exciting next couple of updates...

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Holman

Keezel normally didn't sit in the stands.

So why he picked this hot particular hot day in July, against all others so far in his short term as owner of the Atlanta Braves is beyond me. Some say he was showing his face to support a team that had taken 9 games away from the Yankees, Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies, all teams that were annointed in the papers as the teams to beat.

However a significant minority, would believe it was a sign of arrogance, to promote his own image as the team took it's lumps in D.c. vs. the Nats. After losing the first two games in a heartbreaking series, many would say that while his reasons for being out there were numerous, his naysayers could not hold it against him for being out there.

As Holman enjoyed his popcorn, it was to his surprise that he was visited by a familiar friend. Ted Turner, in a somewhat deguise of a fedora and a loud yellow shirt, sat down in the seat behind him.

Holman Keezel
Mr. Turner... what are you doing here?

Ted Turner
I believe we had an arrangement, and so I says, should I continue to just sit here waiting to be compensated, or should I go out and just at the least check up on how things were coming along. So is it time for my...

Holman Keezel
Mr. Turner... the team has changed so signficantly in the past few weeks. It would be ludicrous to... erm.. (whispering)

Are you implying that you want me to fire a man that has done nothing wrong in the middle of the season?! Frank's done nothing wrong with this organization. The people of Atlanta would kill me before we even get our plan underway.

Ted Turner

That doesn't matter to me, it's no,
(whispering) it's no concern to me, whether Frenk Wren has to leave. You have a debt to pay Mr. Keezel. And I'm tired of waiting.

Holman Keezel
2011 Mr. Turner

Ted Turner
No this month.

Holman Keezel
... Mr Turner....

Alright, just give me the trade deadline. Give Frank the trade deadline. I can't just fire him Ted. You gotta know this better than anyone how it may feel. We don't want him coming after us in 5 years either right? Give him the trade deadline Mr. Turner and we can spin it where he saves face and you can transition in.

Is that good?

*Crack*

Before Ted Could answer, he was interrupted by the sounds of the crowd booing as Derrek Lee dropped a baseball 414 feet into the Washington community for a homerun. As soon as Holman Keezel turned around, Ted Turner had left the stands.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Minor Domination

The All Star break is quickly approaching, in fact, now that I look at it, it's the next update. All three teams in our system have players that will be taking part in the mid summer classic. But before we get to the Braves that got voted in, I must take a pause a cause for something that caught my eye...







For those taking score, the Braves AAA and AA affiliates are leading the pack in the minors. The pitching down south is almost comically good as we will have two pitchers making the starting rotation (Jo Jo Reyes as the All Star Ace, and Kris Medlen).

In AA ball Todd Redmond will be starting the game, and he has flat out dominated his division of the minors. All three of these guys deserve to move up a rank in the organization, but at the time being I think I will let them play the season out, and possibly look to bring only Medlen up when the Rosters expand.


Well anyway here are the Braves that made the cut, and will be playing. One thing that bothers me is that we have a person representing each position at some point in except SS. Nobody in the braves organization seems to be playing at an above average level which is telling in terms of what we need to improve upon at some point.

National League All Stars - Depth Chart

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
C	x
1B	Puljos	Derrek Lee
2B		Martin Prado
3B		Chipper Jones
SS	x	x	x
LF	x	x	x
CF	x	x	x
RF	x	x	x
SP	x	x	x	x	x
RP	x	x	x	Peter Moylan
CL	x	x	Billy Wagner

OperationSports.com

No surprises here, Lee, Jones, and Prado all have carried this team back to respectability. They were pretty much easy selections during the fan balloting.

AAA All Stars - Depth Chart

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
C	x
1B	x
2B	x
3B	Van pope
SS	x
LF	x
CF	x	Gregor Blanco
RF	Eric Hinkske
SP	Jo Jo Reyes	Kris Medlen	x	x	x
RP	x		x
CL	x

OperationSports.com

Our 1-2 punch of Reyes and Medlen are the highlights of the AAA all star class. I am excited to see Van Pope on the All Star team as a starter, as that may mean we might not have to depend on Julio Gomez as the saviour when Chipper retires.

AA All Stars - Depth Chart

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
C	JC Boscan
1B	x
2B	x	Travis Jones
3B	x	Wes Timmons
SS	x
LF	x
CF	x
RF	Luis Sumoza
SP	Todd Redmond	x	x	x	x
RP	x		x
CL	Rafael Cruz

OperationSports.com

I really don't keep up with the AA team since they are so far removed from the Show, but besides Redmond's outstanding performance this season, it is nice to see so many players getting starting roles. They should all transition well as they move up in our organization.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

American League Wins 2010 All Star Game

In an annoying turn of events, the American League scored four runs early at this season's All star game, then sat on the heels of 6 consecutive closers coming into the ball game to shut the door. Where's the middle relief? Why am I facing 6 closers back to back to back to back to back to back?! That's not realistic, that's not fun... and to top it off, they all came in with extremely high confidence because it was the All Star game.


Nothing like seeing a wheelhouse perfect swing turn into a weak hit to second base... but oh well, it's just an All Star game.

Anyway... The, Senior Circuit lost 5-1, the highlight of the game however was an amazing double play by Jimmy Rollins.


How amazing was it?



So amazing that I'm going to upload it for your own viewing pleasure. The American League ran a hit and run with Ichiro, and Jimmy Rollins runs clear across the diamond to catch the ball on the second base side. Then proceeds to tag the runner in the process.

The throw to first was academic as it would turn out.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Atlanta,GA
July 14, 2010[
Ray's Famous Cajun Diner

The two men sat quietly in the diner. To the average person strolling through this night in the city of Atlanta, they may have even been unoticable. The taller of the two looked uncomfortably at a plate of chicken and rice, and kept rubbing his forehead.

The latter, nerviously looked over, curious at what was bothering his colleague. Here he thought they sat, winners of a huge comeback for the Atlanta Braves. Money was rolling in quite well, and with the second half on the horizon, things looked good.

Yet, when the guy that signs the checks that put a roof over your head is looking disturbed when everything else would suggest not to be... You begin to wonder if it's more than flavorless rice....

If you thought that Holman Keezel would reveal the startling news of Ted Turner's return to power tonight to Frank Wren, you thought wrong. Remember, Keezel was no fool. If he could stretch this situation all the way into the midnight hour he would. But not out of kindness or remorse. No, it was about logical decision making.

On the one hand, his loyalty lied with Ted... likewise the money did too.


On the otherhand, Holman realized the repercussions of Ted's return. He knew that it would turn the entire city of Atlanta upside down, as well as his organization. Frank Wren would bitch and complain... but he would be gone before too long. The media would eat this story up for a day maybe two... then he'd dissapear forever. It wasn't Wren that worried him.

It was the other 39 people of the Power's that Be. They hated Ted Turner, and would most certainly backlash. Attempting to hold off Ted to next year had failed... the fireworks were coming sooner before later.

It was one bad business decision looming over Keezel's head.

So while one man sat sensing a problem he would never know the answer to, one man sat sensing the answer that would lead to a world of problems.


And we're sitting in here worrying about the rice being dry.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie



We had an excellent game last night as the second half of the season kicked off. After spending about 15 minutes packaging together possible trade ideas, including one that would send Matt Diaz to the Houston Astros, when we stepped on the sticks, it would be Matt Diaz who would provide the game winning 3 run Home run, helping us to overcome our divisional nemesis the New York baseball Metropolitans.



There are two primary reasons why I think we need to make a move at the trade deadline.


1. We are in Third Place yet can not overcome Philly or New York

Getting another bat should give us a boost to make a run at the playoffs. We gotta win one soon before Chipper leaves and our team becomes a bunch of generated scrubs.


2. I have deemed Left Field our most questionable spot... and there is a Surplus of Left Fielders seeking new locations



Ok.. ok... Matt Diaz won us a game, and for the most part our LF situation if we don't make a deal, is good for the next few years, however to bring in a fresh face we will have to give up something, and if you discount Heyward, Prado, Lee, and Jones... nobody is really looking for a McClouth, or McCann. We must make smart yet realistic trades so there will be no tricking the CPU.... the following post will shed a little more light on our prospective new Atlanta Brave:

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Player Comparisons by the Numbers

- Team Batting/Pitching Statistics

Hitters

AB

AVG

H

R

2B

3B

HR

RBI

SB

CS

SB%

BB

SO

SLG

OBP

OPS

Carlos Lee

.311

114

21

Carl Crawford

.300

121

15

Johnny Damon

.290

84

11

Matt Diaz

.239

74

9

OperationSports.com

Reason why These deals would not be cheating the CPU

Carlos Lee
32 years old
Houston, TX
Power, Hitting, and Fielding

Lee is the last piece remaining of the old regime of the Houston Astros. Berkman has left for New York, Oswalt to Philadelphia, and now it is Lee's turn. Lee is currently depositing 14 million in his local Houston Wells Fargo, and the Astros are not trying to pay him so much for the next 4 years as they have switched into rebuilding mode.

This would be the most logical trade as Houston needs a new 1B, and SP... and we have Troy Glaus who can start in the Majors still, and Tim Hudson who has just not been a good pitcher for me. Houston is high on a deal concerning these players, and I'd throw in a prospect just to keep it realistic.

Johnny Damon
35 years old
Detroit, MI
Speed, Hitting, Leadership

Damon is a winner, and he wants to play for a winner. Detroit is going nowhere fast, and with the season's second half approaching, Damon is just the kind of player an organization needs to give them a spark. He's fast, has superior fielding in comparison to Diaz, and is playoff tested.

Detroit is not looking for much to move Damon as they are making a youth movement too, and only request prospects.

Ok here's the one that is getting fantasy, btu hear me out on it:

Carl Crawford
27 years old
Tampa Bay, FL
Speed and Defense

Ok so the first thing you're thinking is noway jose to this and hitting the veto button. But look at this, Crawford is in the final year of his contract in Tampa. he is currently making 6.3 million and the Devil Rays are not the type of team to pay big money for their players.

With that said, Crawford is asking for big money in the offseason, and the Devil Rays are looking to move him to atleast be compensated so he doesn't walk for free. Adding a Carl Crawford makes a team that's questionable, into legitimate. You can't help but get better with his presence.

Of the three deals, all three have been tested to guage interest and all three could go through. it's really a decision of should we just keep what we have (Diaz), add a power bat to protect Derrek Lee and Chipper Jones (Lee), Improve our contact hitting (Damon), our add an all star caliber defender into our outfield (Crawford).


I'll make a decision on this on the trade deadline so that's a while away. if anyone has a suggestion on any of this, feel free to speak your mind before I pull the trigger.

Carlos Lee for Matt Diaz/Troy Glaus/ JoJo Reyes

Johnny Damon for Matt Diaz//JoJo Reyes

Carl Crawford for Matt Diaz/JoJo Reyes//Tim Hudson/Gregor Blanco (CF)

]

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Next couple of updates in, we don't seem to be making up any ground whatsoever. If the old adage, make sure you win more than you lose was correct, we'd be in first place at this point. However it seems at the end of 10 games, we stay a steady 6.5. games back from New York, and 3 games behind Philly.



Anyhooo, we played a series vs. LA at home, We'd ended up winning 9-8 in a marathon 16 inning game. Mike McClouth provided 2 HR's and 2 doubles but the hero would be Jordan Schafer with a pinch hit single. It was a risky move because we were down to one pitcher in the bullpen, so we went for the win.

Out West, we started a 7 game west coast trip, taking 2 of 3 from San Diego, and losing a series 1 game to 3 vs. L.A. Manny Ramirez was non existent in both games I played, and I deci deemed Rafeal Furcal more critical against us if anything.


After coming back home to Atlanta, we took the first two of a crucial 3 game set vs. Philly. Kris Medlen goes for the series sweep on Sunday vs. Doc Halladay.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

After the ball game Saturday night, while most of his teammates were celebrating, Matt Diaz sulked as he put on his clothes to go home. A reporter asked Diaz how he felt about all of the trade talks, and rumors concerning his future.

Matt Diaz
I can only do my best and keep going out there playing the game. I have no idea what might can happen in the next few days but I trust that the right decision will be made soon.

MEANWHILE IN THE FRONT OFFICE...

Frank Wren
So that's how it's going to be Holman? You're gutting me out? You rotten son of a bitch!

Holman Keezel
...

Frank Wren
You listen closely Holman, you think just because the ball rolled your way one time in your pathetic life, that you can forget where you came from. Just walk over people? Whatever your motive is to destroy what I have built up over all of this time, all of this season it's coming on your head. You will be following me right out that door before too long!

Holman Keezel
...

Frank Wren
So that's how it ends? Alright...

Frank Wren then proceeds to slug Holman Keezel in the face. As Keezel grabs at the side of his face, Wren pushes over the items on Keezel's desk, grabs a few folders from the shelf, and storms out.



As we know how the media works, it didn't take long before word begin leaking on the grapevine over this incident.

General Manager Frank Wren Resigns

In a move that will have hopefully have more legs as the weeks progress. Frank Wren has stepped down as General Manager of the Atlanta Braves. The move comes in the wake of the MLB trade deadline which will be this Thursday. Wren was not available for comment at the time of this release. Braves owner Holman Keezel will step in as active GM.

"We're actively looking for a candidate to fill this position, since Mr. Wren has so regretfully decided it was better to take his business elsewhere. The Braves organization is certainly sorry to see him go."

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

MLB TRADE DEADLINE REPORT:
Carl Crawford goes to Atlanta as part of Three Way Deal

After many weeks of speculation, Carl Crawford has officially become an Atlanta Brave, and the deal looks to have all three teams involved pleased with their work in the front office.

After Atlanta seemed set to work a deal that would have sent 1B Troy Glaus, and LF Matt Diaz to Houston for Superstar Carlos Lee, MLB.com's Peter Gammons reports that the deal became rigidily cold, when Houston would not offer up any other form of compensation outside of Lee, and Atlanta balked at the Left fielder's high priced salary.

Atlanta had Crawford on their radar for a a few weeks, and when the New York Yankees offered to gain the services of Atlanta's former ace Tim Hudson for the stretch run of the playoffs, the wheels began to get turning for a deal that was strictly east coastal.


Details of the Three way Trade

Atlanta Recieves
LF Carl Crawford from Tampa Bay
AAA Shortstop Elliot Johnson from Tampa Bay.
RP Alfredo Aceves from New York Yankees

Tampa Bay Recieves
LF Matt Diaz from Atlanta
AAA SP JoJo Reyes from Atlanta
AAA SP Sergio Mitre from New York Yankees
AAA CF Gregor Blanco from Atlanta

New York Yankees Recieves
SP Tim Hudson from Atlanta
AA SS Brandon Hicks from Atlanta
AAA C David Ross from Atlanta

Atlanta is happy to have received a top of the line left fielder in Carl Crawford and was willing to trade top prospects within the AL East to get this accomplished.

New York is glad to have gotten SP Tim Hudson who they feel will have his career revitalized back into ace quality form in the Big Apple. Hudson will start off in AAA before coming up into the Yankees for September call ups. Grabbing Atlanta's Catcher David Ross looks like an excellent move for replacing Jorge Posada down the line.

Tampa is pleased to have gotten value for Carl Crawford, and improved their starting pitching rotation for the future with the additions of JoJo Reyes and Sergio Mitre. The Devil Rays were big on Mitre back in June but couldn't work out an intradivisional trade between New York.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie



So how's that for an opening act?


I won't lie getting Crawford in a Braves uniform was similar to a 9 year old getting a brand new bike on Cristmas. We wanted to play with our new toy as soon as possible, and once he hopped off the plane, and picked a jersey number... (13 is Wagner's, 3 is retired by Dale Murphy... so Carl landed #5) we threw him in the lineup, leadoff spot.


First pitch of the game, vs. Doc Halladay, Halladay I knew doesn't nibble around, and I was sure he'd groove a first pitch fastball so I get Crawford ready, and let him take a rip, and whatdyaknow?! First pitch of the ball game, and Crawford's career over the rightfield wall. We'd take an early lead that ball game, and go on and complete a 3 game sweep of the Phillies.


Welcome to Atlanta Mr. Crawford.

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

Heading into September, Atlanta Realizes Realistic Playoff Hopes

So the month of August ended quite well for the good guys. We were able to take 2 games from New York at Citi Field in NY. We followed up with a 2 game loss to the Marlins, but bounced back with 2 out of 3 against the Padres of San Diego, and straight took another series head to head vs. the Phillies, with a 3 game sweep in wild Philadelphia.



The Philadelphia series was quite satisfying considering where we were to open this season, and how they seemed to have our number. The three game set in Philly provided offense from all the Braves, and a lackluster performance from the back end of the Phillies rotation.



So as August ends, and it now becomes time for September and the final month of this season, we realize that

1. There are a lot of head to head games vs. the division opponents

I will keep simming and playing every 6th game however, so if we make it the playoffs it will be not by me beasting over teams manually.

2. Callups
Only Kris Medlen is coming up, and I'm considering it though because I have a slight pride thing to see just how badly he dominates the AAA playoffs. It is almost worth leaving him down there, to let that story play itself out completely.





So with that said, there are about 5 -6 games on the horizon, and then we will know if it's time for the offseason, or the second season... let's go into this month with a head of steam.

MLB Standings - - Season

Teams	W	L	PCT	GB	L10	HOME	AWAY
New York Mets	76	56			3-7
Philadelphia Phillies	72	57		2.5	4-6
Atlanta Braves	72	58		3.0	7-3
WILDCARD	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Arizona	74	57
Philadelphia	72	57	1.0
Atlanta	72	58	1.5

OperationSports.com

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

AROUND THE LEAGUE WATCH

Albert Pujols closes in on Triple Crown
St. Louis, MO(AP)

Albert Pujols is putting in good work, MVP type work, however the Cardinals continue to sit in the middle of the pack of NL Central teams. Pujols is only 13 RBI's shy of the league's triple crown for 2010, and the new question in St. Louis is, Can Albert catch Jason Bay with only one month's time to do it?

Not included on this list is the fact that Albert Pujols has 173 base knocks, so it's evident he can keep his pace and give a run at Jason Bay. But with the Cardinals offense sputtering and stumbling down the finish line, the neccessary baserunners Pujols will need to on the basepaths, to give him RBI opportunities, may be too little, too late.

- Rotowire

[lilbiggio]

Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs: A Story of Vengence and Apple Pie

A Lone Star Kicked Serious *** in the Lone Star State.

Jason Heyward homered not once, not twice, but thrice in H-Town as we curb stomped Houston 12 to 2. It was an impressive feat as the first time Jason hit a 2 run homer I was impressed. The second time he hit a two run homer in the 4th I was excited because it was a pitch below the knees.

But when the game was in hand 10 to 2 in the ninth, and Heyward hit bomb numero tres. I had to stand up and applaud. At this point Heyward had put the entire crowd out of the stadium.. it was hilarious, and a great feeling to kind of rub in the good times in a last place team's face.

Jason Heyward 3 - Houston Astros 2
JayHEY literally beat a team by himself.


And friends when I say it's been good times, I mean we've all been eating fine ham, and hitting far above average. The Braves went on a tear for the first half of September winning 13 games in a row. Of course we'd lose to these very same lowly Astros, for apparently no reason other than the game decided it was time for us to lose during simulation, but my oh my what a run!


The 13 game win streak has now propelled us 1,5 game ahead of Philly in the NL EAST!!!!



The 13 game win streak has now propelled us 1.5 game ahead of Philly in the NL EAST!!!!



The 13 game win streak has now propelled us 1.5 game ahead of Philly in the NL EAST!!!!


There are roughly 15 games left including series vs. Philadelphia and New York... we will have to work hard to hold the narrow lead, and so eat your vitamins and say your prayers so that we can win these series via simulation. I also hope to hold my end of the deal when I hit the field too I suppose.