The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

Collapse

Recommended Videos

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • lilbiggio
    MVP
    • Jun 2004
    • 2105

    #1

    The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

    Prologue

    When we last left off, Ted Turner our absent minded friend of all these years, was left standing in the middle of nowheresville, Arizona, blindfolded, defeated and with a gun pointed directly at his head. There is an uncomfortable silence in the air broken only by the clicking sound of the Mystery Man's gun going through it's final mechanisms.

    Death is imminent...






    After one long deep breath Ted Turner winces a bit. and awaits the end...

    5 seconds goes by.

    Then 10.

    Hell, we're at 30 seconds now.



    What IS going on? At this point Ted Turner is notably shaken at the psychological mind**** that is now playing out in front of our very eyes.

    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    You're probably wondering. Is the damned gun still pointed at my head right now. I can assure you Ted, that yes.. the damned gun is still pointed at your head. You are not safe by any means..
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    There are motivations to everything in life Ted. We all have our inner desires and things that move us from point A to Point B. Right now, standing in your position, a relatively weak one at that.. You have shown zero motivation to live.

    I find that funny.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    A man with everything America deems important. Money, women.. power...and yet here you are.. in the middle of the desert with your pole in your hand one moment from death and yet.. I could count the amount of ****s you give on one finger?

    How does that happen Ted? You're telling me there's nothing you want? Nothing else left to take? Or take back?

    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    Listen Ted... we want the same thing. You.. you just don't realize it yet.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    Ted he wants you dead.. and if that's the case, then I need you alive. I realized it weeks ago. You! You, are the final piece to the puzzle. My get out of jail free card if things get hairy.
    Ted finally speaks
    Last edited by lilbiggio; 05-30-2015, 11:28 AM.
  • lilbiggio
    MVP
    • Jun 2004
    • 2105

    #2
    Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    What are you talking about?
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    Walily Casillas-Thomas. He might have conveniently forgotten. But I haven't. He wronged me and my family. I watched it with my own eyes helpless, ashamed.. ARgggh... He will pay.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    But ... here's the rub Ted. I can't get to him outright.. he's untouchable. The Powers that Be would certainly be swift with their vengeance.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    Ted you hold power in Atlanta however. That's why he wants you dead so badly. Your life represents a life line for me. You know the corruption of that unit better than anyone.. You.. you scare them. If they realized you were still out there somewhere that would buy me some time.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    That's all well and good, but what about afterwards. I'm a dead man too now? What happens then?
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    Haha, you're already a dead man walking Ted. Remember this gun is still pointed at your head.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    I get rid of Walily I start removing the rest.. one by one. it will be all out war. But I will have the advantage of surprise.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    ...I see
    Originally posted by Mystery Man
    This is the part where you're supposed to be giddy with excitement of this next chapter of business.
    Originally posted by Ted Turner
    **** you.
    The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. The Point of No Return

    Comment

    • lilbiggio
      MVP
      • Jun 2004
      • 2105

      #3
      Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

      And so Brehs, another summer is upon us. Let's open up that cold can of Memoirs brew and pour a little out for our homie Mr. Turner.

      Yes! It appears Ted Turner has escaped death for the time being with an arrangement by the Mystery Man whom unfortunately must stay a mystery man for just a bit longer. There appears to be no way around the storm cloud of political warfare that is about to hit the city of Atlanta in the coming months.


      Back in the A, the Braves just wrapped up a world championship to put a bow tie on 2015. Now with the 2016 offseason a day away. This team is about to take a hit and one star is on his way out it seems.

      Jason Heyward is wanting a 120M contract. Holmon Keezel the frugal and crafty owner that he is, thinks that after 3 years of playoff disappearances, no way... no how... no chance, this guy touches a penny of that type of money in a Braves uniform.



      To make matters worse from a negotiation standpoint, he slipped him a downright insulting offer of 1 year 7Million just to burn the ether just a bit more.




      But before we get into the meat of this season's story... Let's set things up a bit?


      Last edited by lilbiggio; 05-30-2015, 11:34 AM.

      Comment

      • lilbiggio
        MVP
        • Jun 2004
        • 2105

        #4
        Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

        For the Seventh time brehs it's time to get up to speed. So with no further ado, this is now that magical time in the thread in which I now update you on the glorious Rags to Riches and back to rags story of Millionaire Ted Turner. The Synopsis is as follows heading into 2016: I mean hey if you didn't want to read over 90 pages of action, surprised at the amount of guns being displayed and just happened to stumble in on this one, you're probably highly confused already.

        For those that know what's going on and are ready to get to the 2016 season just scroll on down, we got plenty of time for the rest to get their plate of food.


        Our Story So Far (Updated 5/29/2015)


        2010
        Spoiler

        2011
        Spoiler


        2012
        Spoiler


        2013
        Spoiler



        2014
        Spoiler


        2015

        Atlanta having taken the worst loss of franchise history on the chin, got back on the horse and
        rolled out the gates to the tune of a 97 win season. The only problem? The Washington Nationals won 98 games and took the NL East crown up to the district.

        It would be a season of the young uprooting the old, as Julio Teheran rose up and became a superstar over night. He pitched himself to a league best 24-3 record, notching him the NL CY Young award and MVP. We also saw the emergence of Tommy La Stella finally overtake Dan Uggla at second base, and Evan Gattis replace long time Brave Brian McCann behind the dish.

        Once back in the playoffs, the Braves made quick work of the NL's best, and got a rematch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who they swept in 4 games. Although it was a happy day for Brave fans all over, it became tragic for Ted Turner as he was abducted and taken to a remote location in Arizona to be executed. A bounty that had been over his head ever since 2010's refusal to throw the World Series against Cleveland.

        In a turn of events however, it was revealed that the execution was to be flipped into a partnership. The mystery man clearly having a bigger fish to fry in the whole event of working for Walily Casillas-Thomas and has now asked Ted Turner to instead join him in a final mission to remove the Powers that Be from Atlanta once and for all.



        And that's where we will begin part 7...


        To Catch up on the details, go to the following links
        Ted Turner Memoirs: Vegeance and Apple Pie - 2010
        Ted Turner Memoirs Part 2: Corruption - 2011
        Ted Turner Memoirs Part 3: Painkillers are a Man's Best Friend - 2012
        Ted Turner Memoirs Part 4: Rise of the Powers that Be - 2013
        Ted Turner Memoirs Part 5: Ghosts of Atlanta Past - 2014
        Ted Turner Memoirs Part 6: Lines in the Georgia Sand - 2015
        Last edited by lilbiggio; 05-30-2015, 11:17 AM.

        Comment

        • Gronk4M13
          MVP
          • Apr 2012
          • 3495

          #5
          Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

          Glad this is back, I was getting really into the last part (part VI.)
          Ravens: In Ozzie We Trust

          Yankees: #AllRise

          Comment

          • lilbiggio
            MVP
            • Jun 2004
            • 2105

            #6
            Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

            Originally posted by Gronk4M13
            Glad this is back, I was getting really into the last part (part VI.)


            Thanks for checking back in, Coronas are in the fridge, and the wings are still on the stove breh.


            The 2015 Winter Meetings

            Remember when you were destined to have all the New York Yankees that mattered retire in one offseason like a practical joke gone horrendously wrong?

            Gone are the days where the MLB Show powers that Be would have you scroll through page after page of mindless notes about which grown men were not allowed to come back to work. Wasn't it like 5 -6 pages deep back in the day? Now it appears it could be consolidated to a mere 2 screenshots.





            Dan Uggla - Retired. Reason: Age
            He's saying age, but everybody in these hollowed halls knows damn well Tommy LaStella gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. To be frank, Uggla simply played himself out of a job, and a trip to Lawrenceville, GA loomed in the near future for him...However rather than doing the noble thing and kicking rocks elsewhere like a man. The bum decides to up and retire.


            The loss of one Cliff Lee kinda made me tear up a bit. Lee if yall remember was heading to Atlanta back in 2011, and then due to circumstances and a reboot of the save file, wound up in New York City, and ultimately Philadelphia.

            Comment

            • lilbiggio
              MVP
              • Jun 2004
              • 2105

              #7
              Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

              The 2015 Winter Meetings
              Free Agency and the Chamber of Secrets



              Well we check back in around day 8 or 9 of Free Agency and nobody has collected any money yet. Look we all can't be fashionably late to the dance my friends, so somebody needs to cave in and sign a damn contract.

              Right now, 29 year old Chris Davis leads the top 9 guys waiting for a payday with a whopping 94 OVR, which ultimately grants you a customary phone call from the Empire. The New York Yankees even with Mark Texeria as their everyday first baseman see the delicious benefits of signing away your biggest threat and making him your DH, or your waterboy. A cool 69 Mil was laid out on the table for Big Chris, which he's seems rather reluctant to sign.


              Yall obviously see troubled Atlanta star Jason Heyward pulling up 3rd on the list. We didn't reup on the team option and let him bounce to the meetings. Through the first 10 days other than our joke of an offer, Heyward didn't recieve anything of substance. Would it be possible brehs that Jason Heyward, a man who wanted 95 Million dollars american as a bare minimum, would come back to the city of Atlanta for pennies on the dollar?




              You and I know damn well that wasn't going to happen.




              Can you imagine him rolling up to negotiations talking about. "I'm Jason Heyward you fool. Look at the rings, look at that rating. Yall rating people 1 through 10? Well shoot.. that there says I'm a 90 dude.

              Jason Heyward the only guy in America to rate himself a 90 on a scale from 1-10 got what he wanted as a critical arms race between the Dodgers and Mets began for his services. Whereas the Mets made a reasonable offer of 28Million for 4 years of work right here in the NL East. The Dodgers were prepared to go all in, and make him their guy for the next 6 years to the tune of...

              One...


              Hundred...

              and seventy-six....


              Million...


              Dollars.




              Now, again friends, simple 5th Grade math would clue you in, that that's just 1 million more dollars than the Mets offer on a per year capital...but it's about the principalities man. Over the course of the contract, Heyward looks to rake in an extra 50 million dollars to go to the West Coast.

              Comment

              • lilbiggio
                MVP
                • Jun 2004
                • 2105

                #8
                Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                The 2015 Winter Meetings
                The Conclusion



                Free Agency ends and the Braves pretty much lost out on every Free Agent they went for. Of course it didn't help that Holmon Keezel pretty much insulted the entire class with bull**** offers.

                Originally posted by Holmon Keezel
                If you want to win championships, have a chance every year to possibly be an All Star, don't want the producer all up in the video... then come on over to Death Row,... I mean Atlanta
                Yeah, that strategy right there homie... not going to win too many ballplayers hearts. Although I must say... I wonder when we will see a team's prestige or history of winning factor into player's signing choices ala an OOTP. Right now, it's all about the money or going back to your original team... maybe next year?




                We were able to win out on a lot of the old dudes off the Waiver wire. Upton signed a deal pre free agency, and we went to work quickly to make sure Kris Medlen our #2 starter for the future was well taken care of. From that point on, it was just a matter of waiting out the offers and watching all the guys take their paychecks on the chin, and come on back to Atlanta.

                The Holman Keezel era of financials is quite a demoralizing thing friends...


                two players of note tho... we signed Aramis Ramirez to a play until you're legs fall off deal. 1 year contract, worth nothing really in the long run. And secure our utility guy when the fatigue starts kicking in. Even at 37 years old, he should give us some pinch hit pop that we dreadfully needed from Dan Uggla last season.



                The other guy of intrest, Austin Wilson signed a 2 year deal and is the RF by default to replace Jason Heyward. After seeing the NY/LA bid war going for Heyward and realizing the major skill difference between him and Wilson... it appears that a rebuild may be necessary for that position ASAP if Wilson doesn't pan out this year. Upton/Schafer should buy us some time though with that project.


                And as for ol' J-Hey... where did he wind up you ask?




                The LA Dodgers top 5 is absolutely disgusting.



                Outside of force starting Corey Seager at thirdbase, the Dodgers don't have a bad bat in that lineup. Speed up and down the order, and then Clayton Kershaw. The antithesis to our Julio Teheran. There are going to be some battles in 2016 with this team my friends... there will be battles in deed.

                Comment

                • lilbiggio
                  MVP
                  • Jun 2004
                  • 2105

                  #9
                  Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                  Spring Training Depth Chart





                  Don't worry, we're not going to waste too much time out in the Grapefruit leagues of Spring Training, maybe 3-5 games at most just to get timing back in stride... But before the final 40 are solidified, let's take a peek at what the hell we're working with going into the 2016 season.

                  The Obvious
                  Julio Teheran is the unquestioned ace.

                  Freeman starts because no one else is really available to play first base. Damn son.

                  Upton and Schafer also have nothing to prove this spring either as their spots are locked up, and none of the AAA guys are in a position to make playing them worth our time.


                  The Last Stand of Christian Bethancourt
                  Christian Bethancourt is getting a spring training opportunity to prove that he needs to stay on the squad with the emergence of Evan Gattis and his 3 HR's in the 2015 World Series. If Bethancourt succeeds we carry him all season. If he's average he becomes trade bait. If he sucks, he goes to Lawrenceville never to be heard of again.



                  Getting a chance to make the team
                  Aramis Ramirez and Elmer Reyes are getting starts on the left side of the infield to see what they can pull off defensively. These spots are Chris Johnson's and Andrelton Simmons however and will be relenquished on opening day.

                  Due to a lack of depth, Austin Wilson is getting his first FT job in right field. This Spring is an excellent chance for him to see how he performs in the role that Jordan Schafer previously held the past 2 years. The potential youngster that could one day earn a chance to be a household name in the Ted Turner Memoirs is an honor held by Freddie Freeman, Jordan Schafer, and could now be Wilson's if he plays the game the right way...




                  Speaking of Schafer ... let the Spring begin!
                  Last edited by lilbiggio; 06-03-2015, 05:59 PM.

                  Comment

                  • Gronk4M13
                    MVP
                    • Apr 2012
                    • 3495

                    #10
                    Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                    Wow, can't believe the Dodgers paid that much for Heyward. Ramirez is an interesting signing.
                    Ravens: In Ozzie We Trust

                    Yankees: #AllRise

                    Comment

                    • royals19
                      MVP
                      • Jan 2012
                      • 2182

                      #11
                      Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                      Man, it's gonna be real different not hearing J-Hey's name anymore, especially after what he's done for your franchise. It'll be interesting to see how Ted Turner and the Braves handle this transition period.

                      Also, I think it's pretty cool to see how Austin Wilson went from unheralded Rule 5 pick to heir apparent out there in Right Field. I'm looking forward to see what he can do.



                      I've heard that sound 3 times... once was Babe Ruth, the second was Josh Gibson, and the third was Bo Jackson- Buck O'Neil


                      Comment

                      • lilbiggio
                        MVP
                        • Jun 2004
                        • 2105

                        #12
                        Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                        Wow, can't believe the Dodgers paid that much for Heyward. Ramirez is an interesting signing.
                        It was a truly unnecessary use of resources and time to see Heyward pretty much about to go to New York (which would have made for some interesting NL East storylines), to at the midnight hour signing a ridiculous deal to go out to LA and join an already crowded outfield.

                        The Dodgers sliding an extra year and extra money his way didn't even make them Heyward's top choice. However on the otherhand, let's ask ourselves... not sure what sane person would willingly sign to go to Flushing Queens? So it is possible that maybe MLB the show got this one right.

                        I'm expecting Aramis Ramirez to work for us like a poor man version of Rafael Furcal back in 2010. It's not going to be glamerous or anything to write home about, but he's may be able to contribute in some capacity when the fatigue of the summer starts to take a toll on our infield.


                        Also, I think it's pretty cool to see how Austin Wilson went from unheralded Rule 5 pick to heir apparent out there in Right Field. I'm looking forward to see what he can do.
                        Speaking of our guy Austin Wilson, it's now the halfway point of the Spring, we can check up on this very point right now.


                        Position Battles Update - March 2016



                        So far, and there's still about 2 more weeks for this to change, it appears Austin Wilson is going to win his battle in RF and become the Braves everyday starter with a marvelous batting average of .190 with 0 HR's, and 3 RBIs.

                        That excitement just can not be mocked enough my friends.

                        Emmitt Tyson's road to the show which looked promising after he knocked in a 2 run Homerun during his first at bat at the major league level has come to a screeching halt once the word on the street came out he might make the team. Lately, he's only been marginally better.


                        Although he is the better hitter, Wilson is the better player and should be able to hold on to the role. But he's gonna need to be much better to replace Heyward's production on the field going into April.



                        The other battle at Catcher, was more of a game to see if Bethancourt had a future in Atlanta. The answer to that question is clearly no, as Evan Gattis has now risen to a 82 POWER rating, and is hitting homeruns just about at the clip he did to end the 2015 postseason.

                        Gattis doesn't play a lot, but when he does... he hits the ball like the games matter. Bethancourt has had almost all the AB's this spring, and is just not making a case for himself.... So the question is what to do with him. A trade is imminent now.




                        Now friends, a wonderful surprise took place down in Florida 2 or 3 days ago... Big Game Tommy Hanson has decided to return for another season.


                        Now THIS, is something worth drinking a frosty Shiner for. Hanson has been one of those Ted Turner boys that plays out of his skull for us, and is a welcome addition of stability and leadership to a team that will need top notch pitching to have a horse in this year's race.



                        Hanson's first start of the Spring went well as he only gave up 3 hits in 4 frames and sat down 7 Red Sox. It was a laborious effort for him as it seems his velocity has fallen off quite a bit this season, so it may be a season of Greg Madduxesque pitching for Hanson to have any true staying power in the league during the 2016 season.
                        Last edited by lilbiggio; 06-15-2015, 02:54 PM.

                        Comment

                        • lilbiggio
                          MVP
                          • Jun 2004
                          • 2105

                          #13
                          Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                          The final days of Spring Training are upon us, and for the most part the Braves 2016 lineup is coming into it's final form.


                          There was some concern going into late March if an outfield of Upton/Schafer/Wilson could replicate the numbers we're so used to seeing from the middle guys in the order.

                          In a game on Wednesday afternoon, Schafer turned a line drive single into a double. Stole 3rd two pitches later... then was rewarded with a basehit up the middle from Tommy LaStella which helped him score what would be the winning run.



                          See, whereas Heyward could be great at times.. he could be a bum at other times. Schafer however is the type of kid that can win you a ballgame all by himself just because he's a game changer on the base paths. There was no doubt once he got on 2nd that he'd be scoring that 4th Atlanta run and that right there my friends is the difference in winning and losing.

                          Comment

                          • lilbiggio
                            MVP
                            • Jun 2004
                            • 2105

                            #14
                            Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                            At an undisclosed pasture many miles away from our normal stomping grounds of Lake Buena Vista.. the spring finale vs. Detroit was played in front of a grand total of 107 farmers.

                            That's right, as part of the first and hopefully last Orange County Multipurpose Development of Orlando Farmers. About 70+ farmers and their families got their pictures taken with Evan Gattis and the ever photogenic John Boy Rocker... I think there were free hot dogs and complimentary beers given until the 4th inning. And everybody had a general good time out in the pasture.

                            See... when we run promotions brehs.. we are really trying to make an impact out on these city streets!



                            But the performance on the field took a dive into an anticlimatic wall. Hanson got the final start, and did his job, but once the ball was placed in the bullpen. Some of those 9th and 10th guys in the bullpen, really showed their *** this evening. Safe to say, back to back innings of 4 run minimums is a quick way to find your way on the Gwinnett Braves.



                            Doesn't really matter tho.. I know, I know... academically it does you're right bro... but in the long term, this is the spring. Tomorrow the schedule rolls over into April, and everybody is 0-0.

                            Comment

                            • lilbiggio
                              MVP
                              • Jun 2004
                              • 2105

                              #15
                              Re: The Ted Turner Memoirs VII. - The Point Of No Return

                              The final roster moves shake out accordingly:



                              Austin Wilson turned it on the final 10 games and brought his average up to .245 which is respectful enough for a first year starter projected to bat 8th. His power numbers although lacking should pick up as the season and his career take off.

                              Likewise, Emmitt Tyson, out played him in USER games, but his sim numbers leave too much to be desired to bring him up at just 19 years of age. His time is coming... but not now.


                              On the catcher front, Evan Gattis is doing everything he possibly can to attract a long term deal with some ball club. Hopefully it's us! But dude was the best player this Spring by far, and cranked 5 over the fence as well as a top 3 finish in the Grapefruit league with his .315 average.

                              It's never a bad thing to end the Spring on fire. That's good momentum for opening day guys! Bethancourt never had a chance, and actually hurt his stock by batting damn near .100 with 25 games to make an impression. This was actually an abysmal Spring for him that could cost him his spot on the team going forward....


                              And with that... it's time brehs... the 2016 Regular Season is moments away. The team is back in Cobb County. The jerseys look like professional jerseys again.... that sound of the organ playing across the stadium, with the smell of popcorn, Waffle House and barbeque ribs is only the pure bliss that Opening Day baseball can bring to us each Summer.


                              Comment

                              Working...