Next hurdle: Josh Johnson

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Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:16 pm

TnBrian…

I don’t know what I am right now…excited/nervous/happy/worried….

Anders

September 29th, 2009
3:17 pm

raleighbravefan – Take a breath. It was a joke.

Soph

September 29th, 2009
3:17 pm

GTSteve

September 29th, 2009
3:18 pm

tonight is must, must win…the others are just must win

bravesgrl4life

September 29th, 2009
3:19 pm

Nova Scotia Steve: excited/nervous/happy/worried

How about all of the above?

fastasballs

September 29th, 2009
3:19 pm

I’m so enjoying this, it’s Christmas in September for us Braves fans. Every game the rest of the season is a playoff game, virtually no margin for error exists.

If the Braves can whack Johnson around tonight the heat is on the Rockies. They get to see the game go final long before their’s is over. They are already looking behind them, which is a mistake because something is gaining on them.

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
3:20 pm

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I see no way Hudson can refuse if the Braves pick up his option. It is a club option, not a mutual one. They either pay $12 Mil for his services next year or pay $1 Mil and release him. He has no say in the matter.

Club option – Only the club has a say
Player option – Only the player has a say
Mutual Option – They both have to agree

Is this not correct?

GTSteve

September 29th, 2009
3:22 pm

I do like playing earlier than the rockies…put some runs up early and make them sweat

bravesgrl4life

September 29th, 2009
3:23 pm

I hope Johnson isn’t feeling too well tonight. You know how that flu stuff can linger. Even the 24-hour kind hangs around for more like 72.

rico43

September 29th, 2009
3:24 pm

FEAR

September 29th, 2009
3:24 pm

I was thinking the flu thing may have been BS.

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:24 pm

Anyone else feel like myself that we may not know what we’re gonna get out of Huddy, but that he may throw the kitchen sink out there tonight because this is his best opportunity for a new contract with the Braves or someone else if he provides a shut-down type performance?

Also, for those of us @ work that can not access certain sites (ahem MLB) can someone detail how the Twins/Tigers game ended?

Thx in advance!

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:26 pm

I hope Josh Johnson is sitting on the toilet right now…with a trash can between his legs…crying because he can’t control it from either end…and in the back of his mind he’s wonderin how in the heck he’s goin to be able to pitch tonight unless they erect a porta potti behind the pitchers mound.

FEAR

September 29th, 2009
3:26 pm

3-1 twins in the 10th. one game back noe

sidslidkid

September 29th, 2009
3:27 pm

I think this is the most excited I’ve been since 1995. We’ve got something special happening here!

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
3:28 pm

P-Town Brave

Twins scored 2 in the 10th, Tigers scored only 1.

Final – 3-2 Twins

bravesgrl4life

September 29th, 2009
3:28 pm

While I fear “Fear” may be right, I’m truly hoping that NSS is

Daybed Wagmoe

September 29th, 2009
3:30 pm

I just read on the Rob Neyer ESPN chat that photos showed that Clint Barmes didn’t actually catch the ball in that game-ending double play on Sunday vs the Cardinals. Can’t believe that I’m just finding out about this now. Here are those photos: http://rockiesphotos.blogspot.com/2009/09/amazing-catch.html

Before, I respected the Rockies for their hard-nosed style of ball, and I wouldn’t say that I “hated” them as I do other teams, like the Mets, Phillies, or Astros (still hanging onto the 2005 NLDS). Now, after seeing that they won the game on what was a non-play, for them to get into the playoffs — especially if they wind up winning it by one game (since we could’ve wound up gaining a game on them on Sunday) — I’ll hate them forever.

GO BRAVES!!! TAKE THOSE ROCKIES DOWN!!!

DAP

September 29th, 2009
3:31 pm

SpazzHH you are correct, except huddy’s option is a mutual one.

Chop It Up All-Stars

September 29th, 2009
3:32 pm

Every game we win I get more and more anxious. Last night I was driving listening to the game and my stomach was in knots. I love meaningful baseball in September!! Go Braves!!

FEAR

September 29th, 2009
3:33 pm

i’m thinking the flu was BS cuz if the fish lose this one they are done for the year. so they’re gonna throw their best guy out there.

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:33 pm

I’m not even going to look at those pics…Its not worth it.

Paul Lentz

September 29th, 2009
3:33 pm

The Braves need a big time performance from Tim Hudson tonight. Hudson performing like a big game pitcher will only make reinforce that Bobby Cox made the right decision on having him return as a starter (it is well known on here that I was in favor of Hudson returning as a short reliever).

The reason I brought this up is because Kawakami had a knack for coming up big against the ace of the other team. We need Tim Hudson to do the same today.

If the Braves can pull this one out today, then I’ll stand by my declaration that we will wont lose another game in the regular season.

White Blood Cells

September 29th, 2009
3:34 pm

I hope we can bring a banner to the TED that reads,

“WHO CARES, WE WON”

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:34 pm

Personally,

I really fully believe that this is Freddi’s way of stickin it to the Braves…JMHO.

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:35 pm

Daybed-

Wouldn’t that make it two now?

Ya know, considering Matt Holliday still hasn’t scored on that “supposed” sac fly by Jamie Carroll for them to beat SD in the one-game playoff in 07…

Andy K.

September 29th, 2009
3:36 pm

Can we protest the Rox/Cards Game? The evidence is clear…

bravesinark

September 29th, 2009
3:36 pm

Enter your comme nts herehttp://freebaseballradio.com/Atlanta.html

you can get the braves games for free here

DAP

September 29th, 2009
3:36 pm

nova scotia, your 3:26 is awesome! i hope the same thing.

Paul Lentz

September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm

SpazzHH………sure, Hudson’s 2010 option is a “mutual option”. However, when it comes down to it, the option is on the Braves. If the Braves were to pick up Hudson’s 2010 option……do you really think that Tim Hudson is going to even consider declining the 2010 option? I seriously doubt that Hudson will be able to command anywhere close to $12 mil for 2010 if he was a free agent.

I’m not saying that Hudson isnt a good pitcher. However, he just came off elbow surgery. No team is going to give him a big contract. If Braves pick up Hudson’s 2010 option and Hudson has a good year for the Braves in 2010…….then I can see Hudson scoring big on the free agent market. But not this winter.

So in essence, in all reality, the Braves hold the option because Hudson is not turning down $12 mil for 2010, if given the choice.

Daslied

September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm

SpazzHH – It’s a team option, but Hudson can void it while forfeiting the $1MM buyout.

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm

Think i’m going head to the church today…light a couple candels…sacrifice a lamb and have my “Believe” banner blessed by the bishop with holy water.

Prolly gunna stop at Subway for a foot-long on the way back

Joshhh...

September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm

I love how we’re all in the same boat & that boat is NERVOUS!

man this is so intense right now, we can’t slip up @ all!

I hope we can get some early runs so the Rockies have to look up at the scoreboard before their game even starts!

GO BRAVES! BELIEVE!

Anders

September 29th, 2009
3:43 pm

Nova Scotia – Come on man. You’re better than that 3:26. Are you that afraid? Wouldn’t you rather win outright?

Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

September 29th, 2009
3:43 pm

It would be so sweet if the Braves made the playoffs because I think they have the look of a team that could pull off a surprise and win it all but their chances are so slim. I just don’t see the Brewers being able to help them out.

But, if nothing else, we are all getting a glimpse at next year. With this rotation and the addition of another big bat plus Mr. Heyward manning right field I think this team could be the best in the National League and by a good margin in 2010!

Carroll Rogers

September 29th, 2009
3:44 pm

Lineup is same as yesterday:

1. McLouth CF
2. Prado 2B
3. Jones 3B
4. McCann C
5. Anderson LF
6. Escobar SS
7. LaRoche 1B
8. Diaz RF
9. Hudson P

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:44 pm

Joshhh-

I agree w/ ya there. Would be great to put up a 4 spot in the first 3 innings and have all the Rockies fans and players sweating it out…

Would be even better if that was combined with an early 3-run bomb by Braun or Fielder

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:45 pm

Anders….its a joke man.

Don’t take it too serious. :D

Daslied

September 29th, 2009
3:45 pm

Weird about Hudson’s option, as listed on Cots. It says “club option”, but as DAP said, it’s essentially a mutual option since he can decline it. I guess they consider it a club option because of the buyout forfeit if Atlanta exercises it and Hudson voids it?

faninva

September 29th, 2009
3:46 pm

Nova Scotia – and a funny joke at that!

RHR

September 29th, 2009
3:47 pm

I was thinking the flu thing may have been BS.

Yep. I agree.

Mixxo

September 29th, 2009
3:49 pm

Guess I gotta start pulling for that fielder fella…..Ugh!

Oh well, whatever it takes huh?

GTSteve

September 29th, 2009
3:53 pm

I just hope the Brewers sweep so I don’t have to pull for the Dodgers this weekend….lol

GO DAWGS

September 29th, 2009
3:54 pm

Gonna be tough to beat Johnson,one of the dominant starting pitchers in NL.Gotta BELIEVE though.

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
3:54 pm

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2009/01/15/_its_finally_of.html#comment-232361403

By David O’Brien

January 16, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

Almost forgot to mention this: I asked about Hudson’s option today, and found out it’s not a mutual option, but a club option. Yes, they fully intend to exercise it, barring some unexpected turn of events.

That would give the Braves potentially one of the most formidable rotations in baseball, featuring five from this group: Hudson, Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Kawakami and Hanson.

(OK, I CHEATED and came back to correct this, after somehow forgetting to mention Jurrjens initially. Just an oversight, folks, nothing more.)

Soph

September 29th, 2009
3:55 pm

Guess I gotta start pulling for that fielder fella…..Ugh!

You can do it, Mixxo! It’ll be well worth it. :-)

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
3:55 pm

I guess we’ll just have to find out to be sure.

BossLady

September 29th, 2009
3:57 pm

Enjoyed game last night. I am trying to get tickets now. Every section is not available. Hope this means it will be a good crowd.
The players seemed to enjoy us standing and cheering. We cheered
JJ through that tough inning and Moylen and Soriano. I was too tired to move when I got home last night. I need some luck with ticketmaster.

DAP

September 29th, 2009
3:58 pm

SPazzHH there has been much confusion about weather huddy contract is a team option or mutual option. i think we had it settled that it is a mutual option.

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
3:58 pm

Mixxo-

Try being me. I’ve had to cheer for BOTH the Cubs and Cards all last weekend…

I had to go vomit a few times after the games.

Johnny Hazeltine

September 29th, 2009
4:05 pm

Pitching match-ups favor Fish & Rox, so Braves and Brewers need to bring their good sticks! Go Braves!

AZBravoFan

September 29th, 2009
4:08 pm

Almost tempting to trot out KK the giant-killer against Johnson tonight. But Hudson’s usually a Marlin-killer so I guess you can’t complain much.

Brian the Brain

September 29th, 2009
4:09 pm

Boss Lady, You will probably have trouble buying tickets online this close to the game. Ticketmaster usually shuts down online ordering just before a game starts. You’ll have to get them at the box office or maybe at a Publix location that does Ticketmaster.

JayDubu

September 29th, 2009
4:10 pm

Can we ask our Hall of Fame manager to switch LaRoche and Anderson in the lineup?

I get the impression that Rochy is a more feared hitter that Anderson.

ncscoots

September 29th, 2009
4:10 pm

At this point of their lives with their wealth most of these guys have more in common with the wallstreet investment bankers in NY than they do with the fellas they went to high school with.

Only if you subscribe to the theory that you are your money. Some folks aren’t. Especially us southern boys, even those with wealth (that’s right, even ole peckerhead rednecks can end up with a mattress full of cash, LOL, and still be friends with their high school and college buds. Might be different where you’re from. Capisce?).

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:11 pm

Johnny-

How do you figure?

Johnson “supposedly” has the flu?

The Brewers are pitching a kid who hasn’t lost yet AND the Rox are pitching Marquis who has won 1 in his last 9 starts w/ an ERA almost 7 and now facing a very good hitting lineup.

So once again, how do you figure that?

Anders

September 29th, 2009
4:12 pm

DAP – This may just be a technicality but I believe only the Braves have the “option” on Hudson’s deal. What Hudson has is the right to “void” the deal if the Braves pick up his 2010 option (He forfeits his $1mm buyout by voiding). So technically he doesn’t have an option to pitch for the Braves but he does have an out if he chooses not to.

This is according to Cot’s MLB Contracts which I believe are reliable.DOB seemed to just be addressing the Option component of the deal.

Daslied

September 29th, 2009
4:13 pm

Some Brewers/Rockies stuff:

Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10. Rockies lead season series 3-0.

Probable pitching matchups, with stats for last 3 starts:
Chris Narveson (3-0, 2.63) v. Jason Marquis (0-3, 7.71)
Jeff Suppan (1-2, 5.40) v. Jason Hammel (1-2, 4.19)
Manny Parra (2-0, 2.51) v. Aaron Cook (1-2, 9.58)

Narveson’s been excellent as a starter. Suppan and Parra? Not so much. But Parra did hold the Phils to 2 ER in 7 IP in his last start. Suppan has a career line of 6-1, 3.40 against the Rockies. At Coors Field, he’s 3-0 with a 3.75 ERA.

Marquis has been awful lately. Hammel’s been okay. Cook’s been okay, really, except for one horrible start recently (7 ER in 2 IP, I think). He’s also recently off the DL, so who knows…

FEAR

September 29th, 2009
4:14 pm

yeah hudson is usually slick against the marlins. i like him being on the mound tonight

keylargo

September 29th, 2009
4:14 pm

If I’m not mistaken, Hudson’s option has to be exercised or declined within 2 days after the World Series is over. I’m not sure though.

If that is correct, we should get a very quick idea of the path Wren plans to take for 2010.

Daslied

September 29th, 2009
4:15 pm

JayDuBu – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:16 pm

JayDuBu-

I’ve been asking for that flip-flop for quite awhile myself. It seems that GA would be more suited for the 7-hole in this lineup. I think Bobby is afraid of putting Mac and LaRoche back to back bc of lack of speed…although I myself wouldn’t exactly equate GA to have blazing speed.

Anders

September 29th, 2009
4:16 pm

Especially us southern boys, even those with wealth (that’s right, even ole peckerhead rednecks can end up with a mattress full of cash, LOL, and still be friends with their high school and college buds. Might be different where you’re from. Capisce?). (nscoots)

Yep, that’s why none of these players move to places like Buckhead. They just buy their parents houses and raise the kids right in the same yard they grew up in – right?

Not saying they don’t remain friends but I’m sure they’re swinging in different circles after a while. It happens – in all walks of life. Just more so for the very wealthy which most of these guys become.

P-Town Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:19 pm

Key-

Like I stated a little bit ago, I feel better about Huddy going tonight knowing this is his biggest opportunity to impress for a new contract, especially considering whats at stake. We’ll get to see just how big of a big game pitcher he and the rest of the members of the staff are.

Duke

September 29th, 2009
4:19 pm

Sure wish LaRoche and GA were flip flopped

tiger297

September 29th, 2009
4:22 pm

can’t speak of anyone else but since Huddy was the person being discussed his home is in Peachtree City not Buckhead and he has a hunting/fishing camp in Alabama…for what you are describing as the true redneck baseball players the biggest difference is newer trucks and larger nicer hunting camps…of course their wife/girlfriend can also have an impact on it as well

Frank Wren

September 29th, 2009
4:22 pm

Alot of this is a mute point. Hudon isnt going anywhere. He is a georgia boy and they will get a deal done to keep him in Atlanta. Liberty Media has already shown they are willing to spend.
We have the 10th highest payroll in baseball.

He isnt going anywhere.

Piedmont Blues

September 29th, 2009
4:23 pm

Well, guess what … Francouer wants a long-term contract.

(Anders’ head explodes in 3 … 2 … )

Tiger Woods

September 29th, 2009
4:25 pm

Duke,

Why?? We have won 15 of 17 this way. Why change now honestly? You can tell me all the stats you want. But mine is better 2 losses in the last 17 games. Hello wake up kid. GO BRAVES!!!!

desibrave

September 29th, 2009
4:26 pm

Carroll,
Lineup is a little different than yesterday with Hudson in place of JJ .
Sorry that was a cheap joke :)

tiger297

September 29th, 2009
4:26 pm

Frank what is a mute point…a point that can’t speak? Maybe a Moot Point?

Dies Irae

September 29th, 2009
4:29 pm

Sorry, the Braves aren’t gonna go 6-0, more like 4-2 and when they do finally lose a game the air might blow out altogether. No matter how much you believe, miracles almost never happen: that’s why they a called miracles.

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:29 pm

I’m sure the Rockies Fans are pretty worried about Marquis going for them in such a big game as well.

Here’s hoping for another meltdown of epic proportions.

Debbie Downer

September 29th, 2009
4:32 pm

Doesn’t look good for you Braves fans tonight.

If you ask me…I think your dreaming…there’s no way Atlanta wins everygame they have left and Colorado loses two.

It ain’t gunna happen

Debbie Downer

September 29th, 2009
4:34 pm

I going to bring this sign to the game tonight

“I remain skeptical, do you?”

better than the

“Believe” slogan…unless that mean Believe Atlanta is going to lose tonight to one of the best pitchers in the league

BravesFanChris25

September 29th, 2009
4:34 pm

Just got back from a B-Day dinner. Can’t wait for tonight 8-)

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:34 pm

Gettin semi close to game time…

nolie

September 29th, 2009
4:35 pm

someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I see no way Hudson can refuse if the Braves pick up his option. It is a club option, not a mutual one. They either pay $12 Mil for his services next year or pay $1 Mil and release him. He has no say in the matter (SpazzHH)

From Cot’s contracts, and they are usually correct:

# 4 years/$47M (2006-09), plus 2010 option

* signed extension with Atlanta 3/3/05
* $10M signing bonus
* 06:$4M, 07:$6M, 08:$13M, 09:$13M, 10:$12M club option ($1M buyout)
* if club exercises 2010 option, Hudson may void & forfeit buyout

Mixxo

September 29th, 2009
4:35 pm

Debbie Downer –

So you’re saying…..the Rox are incapable of losing more than one?

rammerjammer

September 29th, 2009
4:37 pm

Anders,

Hudson and his wife have made no secret of their desire to stay close to their roots. I mean, it was Hudson who floated the hometown discount idea…usually reserved for the blogosphere! I don’t pretend to know what will happen, but I think it’s inaccurate for anyone – not saying you – to characterize Hudson as a highest-bidder, follow the money kind of guy.

Teixeira, he ain’t.

Daybed Wagmoe

September 29th, 2009
4:40 pm

Some thoughts on tonight’s game:

Obviously, in a critical run like this one where every single game is important, you don’t want to lose a single game, and tonight’s game is definitely a big one. That being said, I don’t think the season ends tonight if the Braves lose and Rockies win and we end up being 3 GB. Johnson’s a tough pitcher, and Hudson’s been okay since his return, but Johnson’s got the edge. Looking at the remaining 5 games, I really like the Braves chances — tomorrow night we’re facing Nolasco, who can be tough, but we’ve got Vazquez going, so you definitely favor the Braves there. Don’t know who the Nationals will trot out there, but Lannan is their best starting pitcher, and he’s pitching tomorrow night, so the Braves won’t see him. Another sweep of the Nats is definitely possible.

(By the way, I just saw that only one Nationals pitcher has reached triple-digits in strikeouts this season, and that’s Livan Hernandez — with 100.)

With the Rockies facing the Dodgers in L.A., and us playing the Nats, I still like our chances, even if we stumble tonight and the Rockies win. We’re still very much alive and have a shot coming down the stretch.

All of that being said, I think that the Braves have to like their chances going tonight. They’ve already faced Josh Johnson twice this year, and each time he’s given up 3 runs (1-1). With their performance this year against other teams’ aces, you know that the Braves have gotta be thinking “we’ve done well against other aces, bring this one on, we know we can take him.” Plus, you’ve got Huddy going, and he’s had good career numbers against the Fish, and he’s gotta love this type of atmosphere.

LET’S GET A WIN TONIGHT, BRAVES!!! YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!!!!

RHR

September 29th, 2009
4:41 pm

Why are y’all whining about the damn lineup? It’s got is this far, ain’t it? :lol:

Soph

September 29th, 2009
4:41 pm

lol I just saw the Loaf believe sign on fb.

:lol:

dogsbrekky

September 29th, 2009
4:42 pm

I wouldn’t do Debbie Downer with my dogs d… !!!

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
4:42 pm

Whoever has the option almost seems a moot point. Both sides have already said they want to get an extension done. Pretty good article:

http://mvn.com/chopnchange/2009/09/braves-discussing-hudson-extension.html

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:44 pm

What are these pics people are talking about…did I miss something…

bravefaninok

September 29th, 2009
4:45 pm

Huddy Ain’t goin nowhere…..He wants to stay(offered to take hometown discount ).
Frank Wren stated on XM radio and to Bradley, He wants Huddy in Atlanta….

OHBravesGirl

September 29th, 2009
4:47 pm

Debbie Downer -

You’re right. The Rockies could actually lose more than 2 games, in which case the Braves could have a little wiggle room.

(I know I’ve been gone for a while – too busy at work to comment, but I couldn’t resist on that one. Go Braves! Keep the faith!) :)

dogsbrekky

September 29th, 2009
4:48 pm

I am driving down Thursday and need a hotel for Fri – Tues next week. I have friends up in Buckhead but guess that is a long way from the TED

Anyone recommend a nice hotel within 5 miles of the TED I can walk to etc

Thanks and “Party on Wayne”

NO MORE BOBBY

September 29th, 2009
4:48 pm

If you aint first your last – Ricky Bobby

Going to the game now. Come out to Turner Field Braves fans!!!!!

tiger297

September 29th, 2009
4:50 pm

dogsbrekky I wouldn’t stay near the Ted…nothing much to do other than the games…crash with your friends and use the money to cab it

Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave

September 29th, 2009
4:51 pm

We’re all so thirsty for a return to the glory…I think its awesome.

Im so happy everyone on here is so pumped…and seemingly all together on this one.

We don’t see that very often on here…It’s awesome!

DON”T STOP BELIEVIN’…..

Andy K.

September 29th, 2009
4:52 pm

dogsbrekky, there’s hotel on the third base side of the stadium across the street…stayed there last time i came down to atlanta.

Pete

September 29th, 2009
4:52 pm

Enter your comments here

The poor Braves will get within a fraction of an inch of a wild card berth…………..then………..poof !!!
Wake up !!!
This is still Atlanta, GA……….Sports Heartbreak Capitol of the entire Universe !!!

Andy K.

September 29th, 2009
4:53 pm

and dogsbrekky, party on garth

Mixxo

September 29th, 2009
4:53 pm

Nova Scotia Steve – Fight Like A Brave –

Sports a “semi.” :oops:

1957 Braves Fan

September 29th, 2009
4:53 pm

Our offense better show up tonight. Let’s run the table.

Brandon from Warner Robins

September 29th, 2009
4:55 pm

Im ready for the game…..

OHBravesGirl

September 29th, 2009
4:55 pm

Pete -

I’m pretty sure Cleveland might still hold the title for Sports Heartbreak Capital of the World…then again, no one expects teams from Cleveland to be any good, except maybe the Cavs. Haha.

SpazzHH

September 29th, 2009
4:55 pm

You always know that you have the other guys worried when their fans show up crying and trying to talk smack. LOL

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