News and Views: Smoltz-Braves iffy (and 3 teams for Vick)
John Smoltz had his eyes on facing the Braves, but now that's up in the air.
Welcome back to another edition of News and Views, the latest online sensation that has swept the nation and has the entire blogosphere Twittering, or something like that. (Pope Benedict XVI: “I never miss a day without it. But I wish he would write more about soccer.”)
Where was I?
♦ NEWS: John Smoltz’s final scheduled rehab start for Pawtucket was rained out in Syracuse Thursday night and has been rescheduled for tonight. (UPDATE: I copy/pasted a couple of stories from Smoltz’s Friday start down in the comments section.)
♦ WHY SHOULD YOU CARE: Because this could affect whether he faces the Braves next week in Boston.
♦ VIEWS: Pawtucket is a really dumb name for a city. Just saying.
♦ OTHER VIEWS: This is the way the math worked out in a five-man rotation before Thursday’s rainout: Smoltz would be activated by the Red Sox Friday. He’d make his first start for Boston against Florida next Tuesday at Fenway Park. He’d make his second second start against the Braves the following Sunday (June 21). His potential third start also would be against the Braves, June 26 at Turner Field. But now everything’s up in the air. I know some people are sick of hearing about Smoltz (and Tom Glavine). But folks, Smoltz vs. the Braves would be a classic showdown.
Boston manager Terry Francona is not giving any hints as to what might happen. His team is playing great and the pitching has been strong (although there has been speculation that No. 5 starter Brad Penny is on the trade block). “We’ll sit down with [Smoltz] and just make sure we’re all on the same page,” Francona told the Boston Herald. “When you activate somebody, there has to be another [corresponding] move. He understands that. Our next move is to wait for him to get done pitching, sit down with him, see how he comes through his start and then go from there. … We’re not going to [announce] next Wednesday’s or Thursday’s or Friday’s pitcher. We just need to do it in the proper time frame. I don’t blame anybody for asking [how we’re going to handle it]. It’s a really interesting subject.”
It may be a while before Michael Vick actually waves hello again.
♦ NEWS: Michael Vick is released!!! Read about it here! And here! And here! And, oh, that’s enough.
♦ WHY SHOULD YOU CARE: Because it has been at least 2 minutes, 14 seconds since anybody on AJC.com has posted something on Vick. (Coming later this evening: If Vick gets rich again, should he buy out Steve Belkin as the next Atlanta Spirit owner? Tell us what you think!!!)
♦ VIEWS: OK, seriously. Sort of. Vick is free to sign with any team. But don’t expect anything to happen right away. Three reasons: 1) He remains under NFL suspension, and there’s no hint from commissioner Roger Goodell as to when that might end; 2) He is still in bankruptcy court. Vick certainly is not going to sign any contract and accept any significant income — $10 a hour for a construction job doesn’t qualify — until the courts approve how to clear his existing debt. His attorneys aren’t that stupid. At least, I don’t think they are. 3) No team is going to sign him until after extensive conversations to gauge his maturity and mental state, to say nothing of his physical condition. All of that will take some time.
But since Vick is free to sign anywhere, here are the three most likely teams that could show interest in him and where he might be a good fit. I’ve given this some deep thought for at least several minutes.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: First of all, this has been a backwards organization for some time, so predicting what the Rams might do is risky. But the team’s new general manager, Billy Devaney, is the former Falcons’ personnel guy. He knows Vick and it’s believed he has kept in contact with him. The Rams are a dome/turf team, where Vick excelled with the Falcons. The big question is whether new head coach Steve Spagnuolo (the former Giants’ defensive coordinator) and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur (who worked with Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia) are on board.
I had a cheap excuse to use a picture of Gisele Bundchen in Versace (or anything).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: This organization has taken on other teams’ problems before, notably Randy Moss and Corey Dillon. The closed-door, militaristic atmosphere around the Patriots would be good for Vick, as would coach Bill Belichick, who would find some way to exploit his talents in the offense. Vick obviously wouldn’t be going to New England with the idea of taking over for Tom Brady. But he certainly could be used in goal-line situations and other formations, such as the “Wildcat” offense. Then if Vick excels and returns to the top of his game — and if Brady is still around and healthy and not preoccupied with Gisele Bundchen — he can always move on to another team.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: They’re certainly familiar with Vick in New Orleans from the NFC South. The fanbase down there would go nuts for him if he took off. Like the Rams, the Saints play in a dome. Further, head coach Sean Payton has one of the better offensive minds in the league and would find a way to utilize Vick’s skills. Like the Patriots, the Saints have a strong incumbent in Drew Brees. But it might be best to go to a team where there’s little chance of Vick creating a quarterback controversy (at least for now)
So there you have it. My three picks.
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117 comments Add your comment
rhynster
June 12th, 2009
3:28 pm
You just know Smoltz will pitch against us and hand us our butts.
Shaggy
June 12th, 2009
3:32 pm
That won’t be hard for him to do against this offense.
Josh
June 12th, 2009
3:38 pm
I hope his arm falls off.
Ely-Kelso
June 12th, 2009
3:41 pm
Anyone could pitch against the Braves and hand them “their butt.”
Dave In Tampa
June 12th, 2009
3:41 pm
Arm fall off or not he’s a class act and a Hall of Famer!
JD
June 12th, 2009
3:46 pm
You just know Smoltz will pitch against us and hand us our butts.
SCHULTZ could pitch against us and hand us our butts (no offense, JS)
JD
June 12th, 2009
3:46 pm
Dave – well, he’s a Hall of Famer at least
sidslid
June 12th, 2009
3:53 pm
Three way deal: Frenchy to Boston, Penny to White Sox, Dye to ATL
don
June 12th, 2009
3:57 pm
Smoltz is a man of class. His dissenters are whiners. I hope he cleans the Braves.
Jarrett
June 12th, 2009
4:01 pm
Do that deal right now. OR Frenchy, JoJo Reyes, Kelly Johnson for Matt Holiday.
David C
June 12th, 2009
4:02 pm
As soon as ANY team signs Vick the crackheads will want the starter benched. Thats just how it is.
Jeff Schultz
June 12th, 2009
4:07 pm
JOSH: That’s OK. I think Smoltz’s arm has come off before, and he pitched anyway.
JD: None taken. But I would absolutely mow them down. In whiffle ball.
Caedmon
June 12th, 2009
4:08 pm
Wow Schultz, you’re really earning your keep the last few days. What is this, like ten stories in the past two days. Good job my friend. You deserve a lukewarm British beer. I recommend Boddingtons.
Shane (The original)
June 12th, 2009
4:14 pm
You just know Smoltz will pitch against us and hand us our butts.
Yeah the way Glavine did
Shane (The original)
June 12th, 2009
4:15 pm
Smoltz is no class act. In fact he is a first class ahole. Just cause you can throw a baseball hard doesnt make you a good person. He took more money from Boston and threw the Braves under the bus as fast as he could.
blueway
June 12th, 2009
4:25 pm
I hope smoltz gets hit hard – literally
Nick
June 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
No way Vick comes to NOLA. We have Joey Harrington and Mark Brunell, plus New Orleans is like a 60% dog owner city.
Adam
June 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
Facing Smoltz is not the issue. If we’ve won 2-3 straight at that point, he will dominate. If we’ve lost 2-3 straight at that point, there’s a chance. Since the 5-1 start that’s the only thing the Braves have been consistent about.
Optimist Prime
June 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
Gee, I hope Smoltz doesn’t get any “burning sensations” from his new gold-digging bride.
robert frost
June 12th, 2009
4:37 pm
Yes, Pawtucket is a dumb name, but it makes for great poetry. Wait, maybe it’s Nantuckett.
Hot Phone Sex Princess
June 12th, 2009
4:38 pm
Smoltz…meh.
Realist
June 12th, 2009
4:46 pm
Glad that Smoltz is happy with the Sox and back close to “home”, but enough with the whining and low blows already. How many millions did he make here? How much did his ex-wife get from him and why is he so bitter? We all know that he, JS, & Wren bumped heads… we know this. But at the end of the day, tough decisions have to be made and this was one of them. I never thought I’d say this – but he needs to sack up, STFU, and get over it already. We didn’t want to pay him what he thought he was worth anymore…. NEXT!
what goes around
June 12th, 2009
4:47 pm
I agree with you Shane. Smoltz is a selfish whiner. He has had a great career but I think he is done for the most part and the Braves knew it. He may struggle and get some decent starts in- but he will never hold up for any amount of time. I think the Braves may actually knock him around- If he even gets to start any time soon.
Spud Webb
June 12th, 2009
4:47 pm
I hope he pitches twice against the Braves, BRING IT BI&TCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RC35
June 12th, 2009
5:00 pm
I don’t see why there’s so much hate for a man who pitched his heart out for this team and this area for years. He’s pitched in pain, pitched phenomenally in the postseason, and if memory serves me correctly, if Jermaine Dye hadn’t cut in front of Marquis Grissom, Smoltz might still be shutting out the Yankees in our last World Series game (waiting for the Braves to score a run, I might add!).
I wish John all the best and hope he wins another pile of games before retiring…just not so many that he goes into the Hall with a Red Sox cap instead of the “A”.
Bigk
June 12th, 2009
5:00 pm
I say trade Frenchy for another underachieving bat–former number 1 pick Delmon Young
dl
June 12th, 2009
5:01 pm
Hey Shultz- I lived in Providence (next to Pawtucket) and as crappy a name as Pawtucket is, It’s an even crappier town! Truly, the armpit of NEW ENGLAND.
wreckmaniac
June 12th, 2009
5:10 pm
I’ll never get sick of hearing any Smoltz/Glavine news and I hope its all great. Yea, Smoltz will hand us our butts.
Mark
June 12th, 2009
5:12 pm
People who come on here to trash John Smoltz need to take a close look at their lives and think about why they are so angry. I mean the guy gave 2 decades to the Braves and will go down as one of the greatest Braves pitchers of all time, along with Glavin. I mean, I guess you don’t care about the Smoltz Foundation either. How many people in Georiga has it help? Not enough for everyone else it seems.
If we face him, I hope we score an unearned run, and win 1-0. Because, you know, us non-angry people don’t wish for people’s arms to fall off.
Joe Public
June 12th, 2009
5:19 pm
I wish Wren could bat and Smoltzie could hit him in the head with one of his fastballs. That would be sweet.
Jeff Schultz
June 12th, 2009
5:21 pm
CAEDMON: I lost count. It’s the new world. 3 blogs a day, Mon-Friday. Then collapse on Sat.
NICK: Did you just use Joey Harrington and Mark Brunell as reasons Vick WON’T come to New Orleans. I think you just made my argument.
ROBERT FROST: I once new a closer from Nantucket.
HOT PHONE SEX PRINCESS: You never call.
RC35: Why are you applying logic to the situation?
DL: Yeah. And Robert Frost can’t find ANYTHING to rhyme with Providence.
AtlMan
June 12th, 2009
5:27 pm
People are angry and Smoltz and Glavine because they keep running their mouths about how they were wronged and the Braves owe them something. If they’d just shutup people would be fine with their decisions. Oh but they were wronged???
Take a page from the greatest Brave pitcher of this era: Greg Maddux. He wasn’t even offered a contract and he was still healthy and effective and what did he do? He said what a great time he had pitching here and how much he loved the team and the city and went on his way (I wish he hadn’t). And then every time he steps foot on Turner field he gets a standing O. That’s class.
bravesfan27
June 12th, 2009
5:33 pm
Has anyone realized, that Smoltz left for more money(money that we could not give him) Why because its June 12 and he still hasnt pitched yet. Yea that would have been smart move for our front office. Cmon people it was a no brainer. And if smoltz was like chipper he would have taken our offer and not leave for 2mil. Greddy bastard!
Mitch C
June 12th, 2009
5:36 pm
Somehow, I’m not as angry with Smoltz as I was with Glavine when Glavine left in 2002.
Here’s the reason: At the time, the Braves were coming off eleven straight division titles. The Braves also gave Glavine a good contract offer in 2002. (3 years, 30 mil). The Mets were coming off a last place finish, and were downright terrible in Glavine’s first two years in New York, while the Braves won division titles again. In my view, Tom got what he deserved.
This is different: The Braves didnt make Smoltz as good of an offer, and, he went with a winner, a team that has a chance to make the playoffs, and even win the World Series. The Braves arent World Series contenders anymore as they were during Smoltz’s heyday here.
Am I upset and disappointed that Smoltz left? Of course. I’d have loved to have seen him finish his career as a Brave. The other side of the coin, I understand why he did leave, much more so than when Glavine left in 2002.
Smoltz Vs Braves will be fun. It will be interesting to see if he does better against us, than Glavine did his first several times that he pitched against the Braves.
Mitch
Traver
June 12th, 2009
5:42 pm
Frank better hope nobody else gets hurt and he has to suit up. Although it would be great to see him get in the box against Smoltzie! (Never hurts to dream – forget chin music. Can you say – “Right in the the ear hole!)
Eagle83
June 12th, 2009
5:45 pm
Big difference between Smoltz’s whining and Glavine’s. Smoltz’s is legit. He did what he could throughout his career to stay with the Braves. Glavine chased the money the first chance that he got. He has not been part of this organization for years. A partial one season comeback does not count. He’s still a Met.
Smoltzie
June 12th, 2009
5:45 pm
I USED to love Smoltz as much as anybody…however, Smoltz (like Schilling) loves to talk to the media and hear himself talk. Also, I know that he just recently got married…the problem w/that is, there are some people in his life that apparently didnt know he was getting married…just sayin
GEORGE
June 12th, 2009
5:54 pm
When or you fish wrapper (so called sports writers) going to wake up and realize that the largest amount of sports fans in Metro, could care less about Smoltz, Glavine, Vick and the rest of the has beens. Plain and simple, Glavine is a washed up greedy millonaire who would play for anybody who would give him a buck. Smoltz is also washed up, but still holding out full time TV job so he can run his mouth constanly.(cause thats what he does best.), besides being a religious hypocrite. I wish the Falcons had signed Vick isstead of releasing him,so he could have really socked it to all of the die hard sucker fans! I’m bad mouthing Galvine, Smoltz and Vick, but the majority of proffesional sports figures are chips off the block of the fore mentioned.
Pat
June 12th, 2009
5:56 pm
All you delusional Braves fans who want to trade Frenchy…….just who in the HELL would give up anything of value for him based on his performance over the past 1 and a half seasons. They might be willing to part with a bag of new baseballs….other than that, fat chance—but you can keep dreaming
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » News and Views: Smoltz-Braves iffy (and 3 teams for Vick)
June 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz | ajc.com – [...]
the truth...
June 12th, 2009
6:06 pm
I say trade Frenchy for Brandon Jones….even swap….you know, Brandon comes up and Frenchy goes down….
Pete the Great
June 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
Interesting Jeff since the Red Sox themselves have no idea what they are going to with Smoltz. They really don’t need him.
Alan
June 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
Where ever he goes its good news that the Falcons will no longer be connected with him, he will be a loser the rest of his life until he truely understands what he gave up, Mr. Blank was then and is now in his corner so that he can become a useful citizen in our soceity. I imagine that he will be better off in the CFL, plenty of room for his running style, he doesn’t have the arm nor the ability to read NFL defenses.
GEORGE
June 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
The Braves will never be contenders again until they get a different manager and hitting coach! T P had A Jones so confused he may never be the same hitter again. Now he’s working on Jeff F.
Ted Striker
June 12th, 2009
6:11 pm
Jeff — Without Pawtucket, I’d know hardly any limericks.
Steve
June 12th, 2009
6:13 pm
Smoltz’s ego would get in the way of his view of home plate. Maybe he and Glavine can get together and talk about how the were able to drive up their salaries. (Smoltz with the Sox and Glavine with the Mets).
Vick is nothing but a criminal. Not only did he kill dogs, but he flat out lied when asked about it. But for some reason everyone forgets that. And should we even talk about the water bottle, or the fake name? Maybe we should call him Mr. Herpes? He’s a punk thug, no more, no less. I just know I wouldn’t want my children to grow up and be like him.
the real Andy
June 12th, 2009
7:16 pm
you know, i actually don’t want to see Smoltzie pitch against the Braves. Maddux is my all-time favorite player, and it was weird but okay to watch him pitch against us and hope he got shelled. But I would just have a real damn hard time pulling against John. I’d rather he miss the starts. (Besides, I think he might just demolish us).
Didley Moose Sweat
June 12th, 2009
7:39 pm
If Mike Vick ever becomes a Saint, I will disown the only NFL team I have ever followed (for all 42+ years of my life and the Saints’ life now) and quit being a fan of the sport alltogether forever. Period. Sean Payton said “I’ve read about our interest in certain players and putting in that (wildcat) system. Right now, we’ve got too many other things we’ve got to work on. I just don’t want to take away any snaps from Drew Brees.”. Mickey Loomis said “We have no plans to bring Michael Vick to the Saints.”
Do you really think Payton wants all the distractions for his team while he’s working on matching defensive wits with his offense for a run at the Super Bowl? Do you really think he wants picketers and protestors outside the Superdome for every home game all season long? I just don’t see it happening. I doubt he gets reinstated into the league until at least the 2010 season anyway. What do you think about that?
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:06 pm
WELL SMOLTZ WILL PICTH 5OR6 SHUTOUT INNINGS AGAINST ATLANTA, THE REDSOX, YANKEES WILL SWEEP ATLANTA ,GEE RICK CAMP WOULD THROW A SHUTOUT AGAINST THIS TEAM,THE ONLY WAY THE BRAVES GET TO ANOTHER WORLD SERIES IS GETTING A OWNER THAT CARES AND SPEND MONEY TO GET GOOD PLAYERS LIKE TED TURNER DID,ARTHUR BLANK WANTED TO BUY THE BRAVES BUT THEY GAVE IT TO THE IDIOTS OF COLORADO, A PORNO GROUP CHECK IT OUT,AS FAR AS VICK GOES IWILL BE HIS AGENT HE NEEDS GUIDANCE IWILL GET HIM A JOB WITH ROTOROOTER CLEANING TOILETS FOR 10.00 AN HOUR, SINCE HE WAS SHI T ON THE FIELD HE WILL FIT RIGHT IN .
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:12 pm
the braves are real lucky, washington in in the east or they would be ion last place all the time
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:14 pm
THE TRUTH HURTS IDIOTS
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:16 pm
WHAT
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:23 pm
THE ORIOLES WILL WIN TONIGHT BECAUSE THE BRAVES CANNOT SCORE, YOU PEOPLE COULD HAVE JESUS PITCH EVERYDAY,HAVE NINE GODS BAT EVERYDAY,AND THE DEVILS TEAMS WILL WIN BECAUSE THE REPUTATION OF THE BRAVES ARE OVER, YOUR GREAT MCLOUTH, THE OWNERS GOT RID OF TEX,SMOLTZ, FORGET GLAVINE, EVERYBODY ON THIS TEAM IS INJURY RIDDEN,WHO IS CONDITIONING THIS TEAM IBELIVE IT IS NOBODY BECAUSE THE SORRY OWNERS WANT TO SAVE MONEY LOSERS.
willieg
June 12th, 2009
8:24 pm
Enter your comments here
JD
June 12th, 2009
9:17 pm
The truth doesn’t hurt, but reading willieg’s posts sure does. I feel stupider just from reading them.
Scorby Jones
June 12th, 2009
9:35 pm
Man, just thinking about the uproar that would ensure if Smoltz was called into Boston’s FO on Wednesday to say “Well, John… we’ve done some serious thinking, and we’ve made the decision to release you and keep Brad Penny.”
I don’t want that to happen – but it would be pretty funny.
VICKSA LOSERTHUG
June 12th, 2009
10:36 pm
What’s wrong with you people?? Vick was gambling and running an organized gambling racket!!! He will probably throw a game for the right price!!! Vick made his choice of which sport was more important and FOR 7 YEARS he chose vicious dogfighting all the while cashing his NFL paychecks. That blood sport is the sport he chose over football. Just a couple of Vick’s victims: One male dog had his jaw bones broken in several places, so his mouth doesn’t quite close. One young female dog Vick mutilated has no teeth. He viciously yanked every single tooth from her mouth so when she was raped and forced to breed, she could not fight back. He drowned and hung and electrocuted many dogs. He threw weak dogs and cats in the ring so that they could be shredded limb by limb. VICK is a SICK Demented psycho. Remember he was also GAMBLING, which alone should make him off limits for working in professional sports. He needs to be charged for running an organized crime gambling racket and tax fraud. He is not remorseful for what he and his fellow criminals did, he is only remorseful that he got caught. He would still be torturing animals if he had not been caught. He is NO role model unless you are looking for the lowest form a human being. I thought he lost his assets. Saw his huge house on TV for his “home confinement punishment”. What a joke! . Construction is a good job for him. Hard work may build some character which is obviously extremely lacking in Vick.
VICKSA LOSERTHUG
June 12th, 2009
10:40 pm
NOT “you people” the commentors, I am talking about “you people” the story writers.
P Rose
June 12th, 2009
11:17 pm
There was an old man in Pawtuckett
As a pitcher he really could chuck it
But his wins and his saves
For the Atlanta Braves
Didn’t matter when Wren said “Ah, **** it!!
alsim
June 12th, 2009
11:51 pm
Dear Mr. Vick:
nah-nah-nah-nah, nah-nah-nah-nah, hey-hey-hey, GOODBYE!
.
alsim
June 13th, 2009
12:07 am
FYI, playing for Pawtucket tonight, Smoltz gave up four earned runs and a homer in a 4-1 loss to Syracuse. He pitched 6 innings, 6 Ks and 1 walk.
.
Smoltz
June 13th, 2009
1:38 am
I don’t blame Smoltz for leaving. I didn’t even blame Glavine for leaving a few years back. My problem is that when players take the money or leave to play with a winner; we fans have to hear how it’s ‘just business’ or ‘I deserve one last shot at a title’. And I’m fine with that. But it works both ways. If the team must make a tough decision concerning a player with such history with the team, then the player and sentimental fans must understand that it’s just business as well.
We weren’t going to pay smoltzie what Boston did (for him to MAYBE be ready by the end of June). Just as it wouldn’t have made sense to pay Glavine 1 million to make a few starts for Atlanta; just to be mediocre at best. They could have handled Tom better, but hey, Tom got paid pretty well to make a few meaningless starts in the minors and top out at 80mph. The strike zone won’t bend for him like it did in the 90s. He’d have gotten lit up. Hanson was ready for promotion. Hanson will benefit greatly from this move, and we will get immediate dividends; even with the hiccups.
People, these are baseball (and business) moves. They’re not always easy, but they were the right calls.
And I agree with Atlman, I don’t think anyone would be angry with these guys, but they are the ones constantly whining to the media about ‘how they were treated’. That is some childish nonsense; and for Smoltz to keep running his mouth even now is absurd. Move on. You are now on a first place team that doesn’t really even need you to pitch well (or at all, for that matter).
santa3247
June 13th, 2009
1:41 am
Long time no see!, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in jinhae city southkorea now. Left foot on the sea, right foot on the land continuously.
Trade Grego Blanco, Greg Norton, Jordan Shafer, Josep Reyes.
Do you remember Revelation?
Four living nations call the Lion “Come”, but from the nest of Babylon, four Trojan Horse fake Lion would come. ^*^
Twenty-four living states, yeah USA.
Throne? in past Miyazaki Kyushu Island Japan.
Alter? four horned, look the flag of Iran.
Four living nations? with each six colonies, UK,France,Spain,Russia may be.
May the force of Messiah be with you
santa3247
June 13th, 2009
1:45 am
Long time no see!, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in jinhae city southkorea now. Left foot on the sea, right foot on the land continuously.
Trade Grego Blanco, Greg Norton, Jordan Shafer, Josep Reyes.
Do you remember Revelation?
Four living nations call the Lion “Come”, but from the nest of Babylon, four Trojan Horse fake Lion would come. ^*^
Twenty-four living states, yeah USA.
Throne? in past Miyazaki Kyushu Island Japan.
Alter? four horned, look the flag of Iran.
Four living nations? with each six colonies, UK,France,Spain,Russia may be.
So you can guess, Seven Arch Angels standing before the four living nations and 24living states and Throne and Alter, toward Lion the Lord Solomon.
May the force of Messiah be with you
Free Mike Vick
June 13th, 2009
7:12 am
Mark my words. The Falcons released Vick so they can then resign him at a lower cost.
Be-little, BeBOLD
June 13th, 2009
8:26 am
Pawtucket . . . wonder how it got that name? MA–”Where’s my little brown jug?” Junior–”PAW tuk it”!
va falcon
June 13th, 2009
8:38 am
Dang, i cant belive there are so many psyco mike vick haters. The man went to jail , lost just about everything and you people still hate him .I know its 70% prejudice and 30% jelousy you cant make the money he did or could never perform the way he does . All of you who want to disown your team if they get him have more then likely not even seen your so called team other then on tv.
Ive said this before ,Football is all about nothing but money and pimping players. The owners wants fans in the seats and if a guy can do that. he has a place in the league (T.o.).
Don't Revise History
June 13th, 2009
9:23 am
Simply put, was the Michael Vick era in Atlanta worth it? The answer is yes, it absolutely was.
Detractors will point out his 53.8 career completion percentage, the undeniably mediocre touchdown to interception ratio (1.37 to 1) and his reckless, and injury prone, style of play.
What you can’t deny is that Michael Vick won. Quarterbacks get too much credit for wins and too much blame for losses. While it’s unfair, it’s the nature of the sport.
Vick was 38-28-1 as a starting quarterback. For a lot of franchises, that’s not that great of a record. For Atlanta, it’s worthy of a parade.
Michael Vick was responsible for two things Atlanta had never had before. The first one is buzz. Even in the 1998 Super Bowl season, noone thought Atlanta was for real until the end of the season. Nobody gave them a snowball’s chance in **** of beating Minnesota in the NFC title game.
Michael Vick gave the franchise instant notoriety. Jerseys flew off the racks. Tickets sold in bunches. The Falcons sold out every home game of the Michael Vick era once he assumed the role of starter. That was unheard of in this town.
When I was growing up the only way to see Falcon home games was to go to them.
Secondly, Michael Vick brought a radical concept to the city: expectation. Vick led the team to a playoff win at Lambeau his first year as starter in 2002.
After missing most of the 2003 season with an injury, he led the team to the NFC title game in 2004. Atlanta collapsed down the stretch the next two seasons finishing 8-8 and 7-9 in ‘05 and ‘06, and people were livid.
I don’t remember a single season in my lifetime where anyone complained about a .500 season in Atlanta. That was the futility of the Falcons franchise over history at work. We had dramatically lowered expectations.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/197834-was-the-michael-vick-era-worth-it-for-the-atlanta-falcons
Atlanta Native
June 13th, 2009
9:28 am
Good luck, Mike. You will be a great asset to any NFL team. You have paid your dues and now it’s time to move on. Atlanta was a great start, but this is an unforgiving city!
wp
June 13th, 2009
9:30 am
Good to see Smoltz pitch in Atlanta, hope I can be there with my full bag of BOOs
tr
June 13th, 2009
9:39 am
Just running a scenario through my mind as I haven’t followed his rehab closely, but what if…
…John Smoltz were to be “Glavined” (or traded) by the Sox!!! Not suggesting, predicting, or anything like that, just thinking, what if.
JimC
June 13th, 2009
9:44 am
It took me a minute to recognize the waving Vick in the photo. We’re not used to seeing him wave with all five fingers.
JimC
June 13th, 2009
9:48 am
I really get tired of hearing Glavine and Smoltz whining. It’s real simple, guys: you both chose to leave ATL for a few more pieces of gold. You’re just about money, and loyalty doesn’t fit into your equations at all.
So shut the heck up.
ynot
June 13th, 2009
9:53 am
I’d like to see Smoltz pitch again. I hope he gets a start against the Braves. John leaving is different from when Tommy left. John went to the AL East Red Sox. Tommy went to the New YorK Mets. We were having an intense several year rivalry with that team for the NL East. Know your emeny and it was the Mets; Tommy joined the other side. Say what you want now. I think John will be shown love by the fans if he pitches in Atlanta. It was just his time to move on.
Charity
June 13th, 2009
10:00 am
I wish them all much succcess where ever they go, whomever they play for, these are some great guys with some great talent. Good luck to them all. It’s been a pleasure having them all here in Atlanta. They will be a great asset to any team or franchise who decides to aquire them. Good Luck guys, much love and wish you many more years of success. Live and let live.
Reality
June 13th, 2009
10:05 am
I’m not a Christian, but isn’t forgiveness the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The same people who find it impossible to let Mike get on with his life are the same people who are always screaming we are a Christian nation while deriding all other faiths. Such hypocrisy!
PTC DAWG
June 13th, 2009
10:08 am
I hope the OLD MAN gets rocked, often and frequently. I say he’s shot out.
wbj
June 13th, 2009
10:12 am
Vicksa Loserthug: You are a pure unadulterated a-hole. You must have constant nosebleeds from that pedestal you have placed yourself. You decreed Vick a loser. Then, of course, it must be so. News Flash: He was accused, arraigned, tried, and sentenced. He is presently on probation. Now he wants to regain his life and you, oh holy one, decrees that he is not worthy. I wonder if you came from behind your hidden identity and your sins were known and publicized, would you be so holier than thou. I doubt it. It would make you feel better, and that’s what really matters, if Vick can only hold onto a $10 an hour job and not get back into football. Even if he can’t play anymore, he still has his education to fall back on. He will be motivated to make it, just to tick off people like you. How dare Vick make more money than you will probably ever see. You dear anonymous a-hole are the one with no character, no compassion and no class!! And you probably meant “you people” to mean exactly as it sounds!!
Rev Gotcha
June 13th, 2009
10:21 am
Reality, that’s rather shallow of you. No one here lists their faith. Wait, I guess you qualified yours a bit by saying you’re not a Christian. Well, how do you know that those who won’t forgive Mike Vick are all Christians? Your term “the same people” is rather predictable with the thrust of your post. Are you a mouth breather? Has anyone derided faith on this blog other than you? Hey, thoughts don’t run very deep on sports blogs but you may have taken it to a new low with your post. Such hypocrisy indeed. The AJC may need to construct a hatred blog and invite all comers. Want to be a charter member?
Tom
June 13th, 2009
10:35 am
I thought this blog was about Vick, How did Smoltz get in the picture? While we are on it Pete Rose needs to be in the Hall of Shame, i mean Fame.
Canidian Football and Arena Football are options for the guy.
WinderDawg
June 13th, 2009
10:41 am
Dear wbj,while i feel you put a lot of thought into your remarks, may i say that Mick Vick did not finish college!!!,didn’t even have enough credits to be considered a sophmore, so there is no education for him to fall back on unless he goes back to college.I also feel that everyone deserves a second chance, however, if any normal employee had done the things to an employer that Mick Vick had done, they could kiss a second chance goodbye.Unfortunately, most things do come down to race, while that is sad on both sides, the truth is if he would have surrounded himself with a higher class of people he would have not been in the trouble that he has.There are just as many blinded Mick Vick supporters as there are detracters.I do not like him, never have, I’m a Cowboys fan, but it has something to do with his upbringing, because his brother is juast as much of a jerk.Would you as an employer hire him with all the risks the he brings to the table? I wouldn’t, i don’t care how far he can throw a ball, or how fast he can run.He still couldn’t beat Tampa Bay on a regular basis,so why does everyone think he could lead anybody to the Superbowl? Yes, he has been convicted, and served his time, now it is time for him to rebuild his life,just do it somewhere else.And when he screws up again(and he will!!!, remember OJ?),who will you blame it on then?
Julia
June 13th, 2009
11:11 am
Jeffy, it is time for a new blog. Let’s get going.
Fondly, Julia
santa3247
June 13th, 2009
11:12 am
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in jinhae city southkorea now.
Theseday I stopped writing scroll in Japanse and Korean. And I from time to time writing just short first line.
Braves I gave up when Frank Wren was pronounced GM.
And I today read the news about a Medical Doctor who bankrupted 7years before and he is now homeless at park for over 7years. And he was painting on newspaper the face of Barack Obama. Everybody can imagine why he painted the portrait of B.Obama.
But reality is different. I did hear the radio broadcasting about people of USA thank to something.
But, reality is like this, Barack Obama now moving toward collapsing the last Zion Iran. And theseday’s recoverry of economy of USA, have the reason on the foreign exchange market’s being stable by the order of Neutron.
You got it? Babylon Emperor did just make relax the USA’s foregin exchange rate market, you got it? But now Barack Obama trying to open the gate of Iran.
And Barack Obama praising South Korea continuously.
The culprit who are treatening Barack Obama, must be southkorean but northkorean.
People of USA, did you follow my writting? for example, stopping medicine & toothpaste & sowp & Shampoo & anty-natural agents? and furthermore, radiating the force of Messiah I tought to you?
You couldn’t I think. ~*~
In 12th century, 1123year, in japan throne, spy emperor of Japan get the iron sceptor and as a result of that, in 1126 the Yamato of China lost half of nation to Babylon, and in 1157 the Babylonian’s base Bakuhu was built informally in Japan.
But, the Sutoku Emperor of Japan who sold China’s half land and Japan’s most important area, had a secret name called “AKIHITO”.
In japanese, akihito can mean “Trojan Horse who open the gate of enemy’s catsle, after sitting at the position of king.”
Now the Hei-Sei of Japan Emperor’s name is AKIHITO again.
May the force of Messiah be with you
OldTimer
June 13th, 2009
11:28 am
Raiders
Jeff Schultz
June 13th, 2009
11:30 am
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN A SMOLTZ UPDATE, HE ALLOWED FOUR RUNS IN SIX INNINGS IN WHAT’S LIKELY HIS FINAL AAA START. HERE’S A COUPLE OF STORIES.
FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Boston RHP Smoltz tosses 6 innings in rehab start
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Boston Red Sox right-hander John Smoltz made his fifth rehab start Friday night, throwing six innings for Triple-A Pawtucket.
Smoltz allowed four runs and six hits, getting the decision in Pawtucket’s 4-1 loss to the Syracuse Chiefs in the first game of a doubleheader. He struck out six and walked one, throwing 56 of his 70 pitches for strikes in what was likely his final rehab outing.
Smoltz is the only pitcher in major league history with at least 200 victories and 150 saves. He’s continuing his comeback from surgery last June to repair a torn labrum, a round piece of cartilage.
AND HERE’S A STORY FROM MLB.COM
Smoltz brings questions with arrival
Veteran likely done with rehab; rotation speculation begins
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA — After right-hander John Smoltz made his fifth — and likely final — Minor League rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday, the intrigue could officially begin.
How will Smoltz fit into a rotation that already includes five established starters in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Brad Penny?
Red Sox manager Terry Francona refused to publicly speculate on the matter until he has a chance to sit down with Smoltz and the other pitchers involved.
“We’ll figure this out,” said Francona. “We’ve got a lot of different ways to go. We know what our options are. We want to make it work best for us. We have days off coming up. We can do a lot of different things. We want to do what’s in our best interests. To do that, we have to talk to a lot of guys — Beckett, Daisuke, Smoltz, Penny. We want to try to get some opinions on how they feel, what’s in their best interests, and then we’ll make decisions. It’s not going to be able to be done a week ahead of time.”
Smoltz allowed six hits and four runs while walking one and striking out six over six innings on Friday in Syracuse, N.Y. He threw 70 pitches, 56 for strikes. It was the first game of a doubleheader, so the six innings were a complete game in Pawtucket’s 4-1, seven-inning loss.
Smoltz is expected to meet up with the Red Sox in Philadelphia on Saturday to discuss his next step.
The earliest he would join the active roster is Wednesday night against the Marlins. That is Penny’s spot in the rotation.
In recent weeks, there was plenty of speculation that Penny would be moved in a trade. However, the right-hander has thrown the ball well of late, and his performance in Thursday’s 4-3 win against the Yankees (six shutout innings) was his best in terms of results and velocity.
“You can see him getting back to that power that he had,” Francona said. “To put up six zeroes against the Yankees, something’s going right.”
Francona also praised Penny’s attitude and work ethic.
“You get to know guys,” Francona said. “When they come through that door the first day of Spring Training, you want them to feel welcome — it makes it easier for them to be better players. This kid has been such a pleasure. He just does everything you ask. He competes. He’s getting better. He pitches until you take the ball away. I’ve enjoyed the [heck] out of this. He’s been unbelievable.”
Fulton
June 13th, 2009
11:33 am
I STILL don’t get all this Gisele Bundchen fascination. Sorry but these boney, stick-figured ‘models’ don’t do much for me. I could easily find 20 hotter women walking the streets of Atlanta. JMO…
As for Vick? Please. The man did the crime & payed his time, so let’s all get on with our lives? FYI the NFL is big business so if a team wants to give him a shot, why not? And why should you people care anyway?? Get over it!!!
Gumby
June 13th, 2009
11:48 am
I never actually realized what a jerk Smoltz is until he was gone. Years ago I laughed about the “neighbors pool” incident but now see as a symptom. Bradley’s column on Smoltz and his “wittle feelings” was a real eye opener. In closing I don’t want to see him pitch. I don’t care what he does. He left us, we didn’t leave the aging, egotistical, baby but maybe we should have. I just want him to go play with his new team, play golf (maybe you could be his caddy since you seem to worship this jackass), whatever……I just don’t wont’s to hear about him anymore. Good ridance Smoltz. You showed your true colors once you left.
silent jay
June 13th, 2009
11:50 am
Vick should play for Pawtucket.
sweetpea
June 13th, 2009
11:59 am
I think the dress is drop dead gorgeous
Jeff Schultz
June 13th, 2009
12:02 pm
FULTON: Google, dude. I’m pretty sure “boney, stick-figured” isn’t the adjectives you would use.
GUMBY: Gotta disagree. Obviously Mark and I are on difference sides of the fence with John. … By the way, the way you can walk into books, that rocks!
SILENT JAY: “I once knew a quarterback from Pawtucket . . .” Nah, sorry, limerick’s not working for me.
Frank
June 13th, 2009
12:08 pm
In reference to Vick and a prospective team to play for – I thought he might go to that new upstart league (don’t remember the name of it). Otherwise, I had always thought that Vick would be a good fit for the Raiders. A team that has a history of picking up ‘hasbeens’ with criminal records or at least a shady past . . . and they need a quarterback . . .
dared1
June 13th, 2009
12:16 pm
Mike will play in the NFL again. He has paid his debt to society and it is time to move on. He wont play for the Falcons again and thats no problem but he will play again and you can believe that wherever that may be, fans WILL pay to see him! I say for all of you haters…get over it!!
Didley Moose Sweat
June 13th, 2009
12:36 pm
Do you have absolutely nothing to say in respose back to my earlier comment Mr. Jeff Schultz? I asked you 3 specific questions and I would appreciate 3 answers if you can find the time to provide them to me please Sir! Thank you.
All I'm Saying Is...
June 13th, 2009
12:47 pm
New Orleans or New England would be the best places for MV to land as Sean Payton (for reasons known only to him) and Bill Belichick (for reasons evident to all) are both self-confident enough to withstand public criticism. If I’m MV, once I meet with Goodell and beg to be reinstated, I’m telling my agent to plead with New England’s owner Bob Kraft to give me a chance.
It is the exciteable Smoltz’ best interest (and the Braves given our lack of hitting) not to pitch against the Braves—and he knows it so hopefully that won’t happen.
All I'm Saying Is...
June 13th, 2009
12:52 pm
FULTON: I agree with you — I like women round in all the right places…Schultz is (likely) just happy to have a woman around (which will be in peril if he keeps writing about and posting pictures of Boney James er I mean Boney Gisele)…
tr
June 13th, 2009
12:56 pm
Didley MS – If JS won’t answer your 3 questions, I will.
1) I don’t know & don’t care!
2) I don’t know & don’t care!
3) I don’t know & don’t care!
Ralph Swietz
June 13th, 2009
1:03 pm
Mike Vick will just be successful on another Team. As a fan, I am glad he is gone from this crappy “new south” team of the Atlanta Falcons. Where the fans are racist and delusional at best! What have they really ever done? The answer is NOTHING!That really goes for all of the citys franchises, other than that 1 year for the Braves. Last year was a fluke… sorry, but the Falcs will NEVER win a championship! Mike Vick has been released from the Team…..you can let it go now.
Terri
June 13th, 2009
1:04 pm
There is absolutely no way Patriot’s owner Bob Kraft is going to let Michael Vick come to New England. He has a very strict no criminal rule. Corey Dillon and Randy Moss were malcontents, not convicted felons.
TOMMIE. B.
June 13th, 2009
1:41 pm
Smoltz – As a fan of the Braves I remember games won and lost. He won a lot of games, got hurt and was kicked to the curve. He could have made more money with other teams years back but stayed with the Braves because his friends asked him to stay then those friends got traded, him and the rest found that the Braves “WORD” was no good which is why people no longer take pay cuts to pay for them. If you are “old fans” you would remember those days.
Vick – He payed the price let him make a living. I will never support another dog org again and I am not the only person who is saying that. They got what they wanted. Someone they could hold-up and say LOOK!! As a person who was rised in VA, I know about dog fighting in that state. Ask them where were they when there were all of those murders because of dog fighting. They found DEAD dogs and people. After it was found some milionairs from Va and Ten were in attendance the Dog people went away!! Did RACE have anything to do with it? I don’t want to think so but it makes you wonder. Here in GA people who kill people don’t have this kind of thing happen to them. Now you folks don’t want him to make a living!! SHAME!! SHAME!!
TOMMIE. B.
June 13th, 2009
1:42 pm
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