Hawks Swept by Orlando

Orlando just locked the door to Atlanta's "Highlight Factory." As a Hawks fan, that truly sucks. This was a season that witnessed the Hawks winning 53 games, including a 37-4 home record. Atlanta has made huge strides over the past few years. But, they still have no answer for elite teams such as the Magic and Cavaliers. And, once again, this was a season that ended too soon for my liking.

Hawks leading scorer, Joe (no show in the playoffs) Johnson appears to be on his way out of town. After a humiliating loss in game 3, a chorus of boos rained down on #2 and his team as they left the court. Johnson responded, "That doesn't bother me and I hope it doesn't bother anyone in this locker room. It's about us in this locker room. We could care less if fans showed up."

After that last statement, I could care less if Johnson ever shows up in a Hawks uniform again. #2 can kick rocks.

Hawks Vs Magic

The Atlanta Hawks were outscored 28-10 in the second quarter of game 1 vs Orlando. Cheryl Miller is currently drooling over Dwight Howard. "Big fella, what a first half!," she yelled in his ear.

Well, the game has mercifully come to a pause for halftime. The staggering Atlanta Hawks put up a dismal 33 points so far and trail Orlando by 20. Game 1 is pretty much decided and I almost wish Atlanta would have lost game 7 to Milwaukee. At least I'd be spared the shame of watching such a disgraceful effort from the dudes in Atlanta uniforms. The 2nd quarter was absolutely embarrassing. I don't expect the second half to be much different. Hawks fans, go to bed. This one is over.

Braves vs Gnats

Last summer, the Washington Nationals were a lowly club that gave the Braves fits. But, this is a new season. If Atlanta is going to re-emerge as a contender in the NL East, Washington is a team the Braves must handle.

Well, Atlanta is in DC tonight and Livan Hernandez is on the mound for the Nats. April's Rookie of the Month, Jason Heyward tied the game at 2, with a solo HR in the top of the 4th.

Sammy Kawakami (0-4 with a 5.55 ERA) got the start for Atlanta.

Side note: After a miserable 9 game losing streak, the Braves swept Houston at Turner Field, and entered tonight's contest just 3 games back of first place Philadelphia.

Update: The Magic lead Atlanta 33-27 in Orlando. Dwight Howard is causing problems for the Hawks. Meanwhile, the Braves are still tied at 2 with the Nats in DC. There are 2 outs with Jason Heyward (Intentional Walk) on 1st and catcher Brian McCann on 2nd, as Melky Cabrera bats in the 5th.

Hawks at Orlando

In the last few days, the Atlanta Hawks have made me feel like a "doubting Thomas" for not believing in them. After losing game 5, I thought Atlanta's playoff dreams were over. But, I'm happy to say I was wrong.

The Hawks dominated the Milwaukee sucks in games 6 and 7 with a suffocating defense. So, their reward is a trip to Disneyland (stole that line from Ryan Cameron). During the regular season, the Magic won 3 of 4 meetings. Atlanta's lone victory vs Orlando came late in the season, on a last second dunk by Josh Smith off a missed shot by Joe Johnson.

I'm hoping to see the rested Orlando Magic have a rusty performance tonight. Dwight Howard will do what he does. But, I'd like to see Vince Carter, Michael Pietrus, and Jameer Nelson struggle to find their rhythm in game 1. Opening tip is less than an hour away.

Go Hawks!!

Click on the title of this post to see the Dunk by Smith.

Hawks lose game 5

The Atlanta Hawks are in trouble. After winning the first 2 games of their playoff series against the Milwaukee sucks, Atlanta has lost the next 3. After 2 embarrassing efforts in Brew country, the Hawks couldn't hold onto a 9 point lead late in game 5 at Philips Arena. Now, the Bogut-less Bucks are 1 win away from knocking Atlanta out of the playoffs.

Making matters worse, is the fact that game 6 will be played in Milwaukee. Atlanta has continued to play scrub level basketball on the road, not just during the regular season, but also in this series.

Joe Johnson fouled out with an unlucky 13 points for Atlanta. If the Hawks are going to have any chance of keeping their playoff hopes alive, he must come up huge in game 6. Jamal Crawford needs to step up as well. Given the Hawks history on the road, I have very little faith this series will see 7 games. Hope I'm wrong about that.

Too Early 4 Frustration

Hey ya'll, the Atlanta Braves are mightily struggling. The bats are colder than the beers in my fridge. But, it's April. Don't get me wrong. Those are some ice cold cervezas and losing is always bad. But, we're talking about a sport that boasts a season of 162 games. For the most part, Atlanta is getting stellar performances by any pitcher not named Derek Lowe. And, "Wild Bill" Wagner has already gotten his once in awhile blown save out of the way.

Yes, my Braves are currently stuck inside a somber land called loss after loss after lossville. In the past week, they've fallen from a 3 way tie for first in the NL East, to last place in the division with an 8-9 record. That puts them 2 games back of WASHINGTON, who is tied with Florida for runner up to Philly. But, this is after 17 scrawny azz games. I've adopted the John Kincade (of 680 the fan) theory on the sport. What's that, you ask. When it comes to Major League Baseball, you really don't know squat, until the end of May.

Early on, I've been a little over zealous in my praise for Jason Heyward. That doesn't mean the kid won't be a star. What it does mean, is that I should temper my enthusiasm just a bit. I need to chill with a cold Corona and let things play out on the diamond a little longer, before I crown him the next Henry Aaron. It also means, my fellow Braves fans and I shouldn't freak out and become frustrated with this team after just 17 games. I don't like the Troy Glaus experiment at first base, but I'll give him another month, before I question his presence on the 25 man roster.

I've just got to keep telling myself, "It's a long season, Robster. And, all of the Braves' goals are still in front of them."

What are they saying on Braves radio? Nothing. Tonight's game is currently delayed by rain, which could result in another loss, but we're not lamenting that here. So, how 'bout some CCR? Click on the title of this post, ya'll. The video's a bit boring, but the song is classic rain delay music.

Update: Between the time it took me to write, proof read, and post this clever article, the game was called. Mets win a five inning affair, 1-0. Chipper Jones appears to be headed back to the DL. Florida Evans says, "Damn, Damn, DAMN!" Braves fall to 8-10 after getting swept by the Mets in New York. Oh well. Don't let that stop you from enjoying this post and rain delay music. Ha. Have a good night, ya'll.

Jason Heyward Rocks

Oh, you Jason Heyward. Just a rookie...He's hittin' home runs off people. My God, a rookie! Dawg fans, I'm sure you get the comparison. Yes, it's early for such praise, but the kid from Henry County is rockin' this town. Just 2 days ago, #22 delivered a game winning 2 run single. Tonight, he saved the Braves again. Trailing 3-2, with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, Heyward was money. With the game on the line, Jason Heyward blasted a Ryan Madsen pitch into Midtown. All of a sudden, the life-less Braves were tied with Philly.

"Wild Bill" Wagner pitched a flawless 10th, thus setting the stage for Nate McClouth. And, the Braves center fielder would be the only Bravo to bat in the inning. Jose Contreras sent a ball towards his bat that is still flying above the Atlanta skyline. And, just like that, the Atlanta Braves (with help from a Marlins loss) are tied for first place in the NL East. It's early, real damn early in the season. But, I've seen enough to know that Jason Heyward is the man.

Thank you, Mr. Heyward for setting the stage. Hey ya'll, this kid is clutch. And, as crazy as it sounds, he seriously could become the Herschel Walker of the Atlanta Braves. It's early, but I wouldn't bet against #22!

Free Baseball in Atlanta

Just wanted to post a quick update. In the bottom of the ninth, Troy Glaus hit a 2 run bomb, to get the Braves within 1 run of the phillies. Then, came the rookie, Jason Heyward. With 2 outs and his team down a run, the kid from Henry County crushed a game tying homerun into the outfield seats. The game is tied at 3, as the Braves come up to bat in the bottom of the 10th inning at Turner Field. So far, Jason Heyward has more than lived up to hype surrounding his skills. Just 2 days ago, he delivered a game winning 2 run RBI single. And, tonight, he electrified the crowd. I'm gonna stop talking about this, because I need to mention the fact that Nate McClouth just hit a walk off HR.

BRAVES WIN 4-3!!

Braves vs phillies

The philadelphia phillies are in town, to take on the Atlanta Braves. Tommy Hanson (1-1, 2.38 ERA) will be on the mound for the hometown Bravos. His opponent will be a struggling Kyle Kendrick (no decisions, 17.47 ERA). Jimmy Rollins is still on the DL, as the phils begin a 9 game road trip. At 7-5, the Braves are one game behind first place philadelphia.

But, this ain't the only game in town. After winning game one, the Atlanta Hawks look to take command of their 1st round playoff series against the milwaukee bucks. Opening tip is just a few minutes away. In game 1, rookie buck, Brandon Jennings torched Atlanta for 34 points. But, the Hawks cruised to victory, anyway. Tonight, Atlanta must own the paint and make Jennings take some tough shots. A hard foul or two on the rook wouldn't be a bad idea, either. It's the playoffs and Atlanta needs to stay focused, play with intensity, and never let up.

Braves can't hit

Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies just pitched a no hitter against the Atlanta Braves. I don't care to comment any further. Just thought it deserved mentioning on the blog.

Go Braves.