Day 148

Friendly confines my butt...

Swept. Swept. Not even taking a game from the Dodgers, I am stuck wondering the fate of the Rockies as they gear up for the Padres on their way out of town.

Me, I can't get out of town fast enough. Not because I don't love Colorado this time of year, but because I am looking for any reason to see the Rockies first put together a win, then maybe a second. Who knows, with enough luck I may get to see a winning streak.

I'm not bitter. No. Really I have no reason to complain. Yes, I am working myself into poverty with every passing day (actually I am already in the official poverty category) but each and every time I am at the ballpark I sigh and realize what a dream this whole thing is.

Would it be any better if the Rockies were leading the division and crushing opponents? Maybe, but I think people would probably assume I was a bandwagoner and going for the ride. Let's be realistic here folks. The Rockies are a season low ten games behind .500 and picking out bright spots is about the best you can do right now.

For instance- the weather was the best I have seen this year anywhere, yesterday for the game. We had a chance to win with the bases loaded in the ninth, but even with the loss, I could close my eyes and take in a most miraculous weather day. Perfection.

Good weather would be nice in Houston, my next stop, but not necessary as long as they win. Leaving tomorrow, I'll be making my way to see the Rockies finish off the season series with the Astros. We are down 2-1, but I have hope they will take it. Refer to my earlier entries regarding the Astros when I say daddy needs new shoes.

After they are victorious in H-town, Milwaukee and the Brewers are next on the road. From Colorado to Texas to Milwaukee to Chicago to see Wrigley before I make my way back to see the Rays visit the confines of Coors. From there it's back out to LA to see the Angels take on the Rockies. June, if the money can hold out a little longer, will be a long but hopefully memorable month.

Side note...

Recently after taking a long look at my blog I have come to a conclusion...I like my blog. Seriously, I really like my blog. I could do this forever and I like the amount of effort and work I put into it and the end result.

I work hard to take great pictures that convey the moment or the game at hand. Sometimes it just a hot dog, but hopefully it shows what I am trying to say. My first importance is communicating through my words. They are everything and I try to wield them in a manner most effective. Sometimes though, a picture of a hot dog can convey so much more.

My writing is not just a remix of info already floating around the internet. I do like to interject my own experiences into the pieces because any person can browse the box scores and get everything they need to know. Sometimes serious and sometimes quirky, it is all me and all mine.

I may not get a million hits a day, but in so many ways that is not what I am going for. Those who consider themselves regulars I write for you. I hope to bring quality because you spend the time to click on and hopefully not click off in that instant. Hopefully at the bottom of the post you feel better for reading and not like you wasted your time. And if some day should this blog of mine be read by a million people I'll still write in my mind for those regulars.

Wish me luck as I hit the road and live on the road the rest of the summer days. As Joe Walsh would sing, life has been good to me so far...

Side side note..

Talked with the Rockies skip yesterday and he gave me the inside info to get Todd Helton a copy of the picture of his 2,000th hit. I almost had it in front of him but he headed into the dugout so I'm still waiting for him to see it before I post it.

Day 146

Fans

The field is beautiful and the history is plentiful, but the Braves could use a few more fans showing up to their games was my first impression of the Atlanta fan base.

Waiting for the start of the games, the entire time I was in Atlanta, I couldn't help but think "This is it?" I have seen some low stadiums, but the 14,000 people filling the stands was not much for a franchise as storied as the Braves. This was the franchise that seemingly won the east every year for like a decade right?

     Turner Field by Tom Walsh

I scanned the area and took this picture in the beginning of the game, allowing for the stragglers to fill in. This is not a pre-game picture. This is it.

The fans that did fill in the seats seemed to genuinely care about the Braves but they were too few to really feel like this team was loved. I know the Rockies may not be the biggest draw of any franchise, but even the cheap seats sat empty and for $6, most baseball fans will pay that to see a Major League game.

Most fans will remember the Braves and their fans for the "chop." Some outsiders will tell you the chop was taken from the Florida Seminoles and adopted by Braves fans in the '90's but they still use it to this day. But when you only have 14, 000 fans filling seats, the chop seems lackluster at best. If I were a player and had the bases loaded with a full stadium doing the chop, I might feel different. Watching a mostly empty stadium do it, was not so impressive.

I was not heckled once and if anything, most people were willing to poke a little fun at the "stranger" in Rockies colors. I never felt threatened or unwelcome at Turner and it would be a field I'd visit again. The fan base may be uninterested in the team currently, but I'd like to see how the place acts when it's full and filled with the faithful. Maybe the chop won't seem like a flop with more voices behind it.

And last but not least. If you are wearing an opposing team jersey, expect the camera operator to pick you out and do his best to get a laugh at your expense on the jumbo-tron. As the 8th inning kissing cam rolled around the park , I was the guy they focused on while playing the song lonely. All in good fun. I blew the camera a kiss and laughed I made the Braves jumbo-tron.

Food

If ever you are in Atlanta in general stop for the food. This city loves to eat and the varieties of food abound. You can find down home southern cooking or other great mixtures of Asian or American to Italian cuisine. I recommend the fried green tomatoes!

As for Turner Field, the food is sparsely located throughout the concourse, but there is plenty to choose from.

My first and main choice would be the standard dog for the stadium. This place had no name for the dog, but the extra-large version for $5.50 would call for some examination.

This was a good size dog for the price and it was made by the same company who supplies the dogs at Coors Field, Hebrew National, so I knew they had to be good. What I wanted to test was the toppings the field offered. Here you could get chili, cheese, sauerkraut, or onions.

Pushed towards the chili, I would take my first bite.

This was a winner indeed. The vendors were right and you could not go to a Braves game without enjoying a chili topped dog.

The price was just right at $5.50 and a great eat that hit the spot.

I wanted to try the restaraunt overlooking center field called the Chophouse, but I didn't have enough time. I looked at the menu and it seemed reasonable. Most of the food items were standard fare for a ballpark, so I was not overly compelled because I was missing out. I'd like to try it the next time I get there and our best player is not hitting for his historic 2,000th hit. Maybe I can relax a bit more and try some of the views from the Chophouse and it's food.

Overall, Turner Field is a great place to catch a ballgame. The tickets are very reasonably priced and the fans not showing up leave a ton of great seats open to anyone. Plenty of parking near the stadium and even a tailgating section can make for fun times. The food is good and reasonably priced so you may not go as broke as some stadiums.

If you're in Atlanta take a peak, get some good eats, and catch a game at Turner Field.

Day 143

Driving up to Turner Field, you can't help but get that baseball is played here feeling. The exterior red brick of the ballpark stands outs in the Atlanta downtown and you know this is a beautiful field.

     Turner Field day by Tom Walsh

If you want to use the stadium parking directly across from the stadium it's $12 and gets you right up close. There are other cheaper lots nearby, but for my purposes I chose the stadium. If you drive a Lexus you can park in the special Lexus parking lot. A bit much, but cool if you have the car I guess. I also did like the tailgating section. Before game brawts and goodies can make for a fun time at the park.

Not to judge a book by it's cover, walking into the stadium you are greeted by the history of the longest continuous franchise in Major League baseball. History reminders of great players like Nierko and Aaron await you in the plaza heading into the gates.

Purchasing a ticket is easy enough as you enter the first sets of gates outside the stadium and proceed to the windows built into the stadium. Pricing on the seats here is not outrageous either. For lower level dugout seats, you can expect to pay $60 and get a great seat in the house. Those wanting to get in cheap can sit in the upper pavilion for $6. This stadium also takes part in a practice I think is ridiculous. They, like some others I have been too, charge a few dollars more for day of game purchases. This to me is idiotic, because it's like punishing the walk-up crowd. Why should a walk-up ticket cost $2 more? Never will get that.

The ticket attendants are very nice and there is a very helpful atmosphere to their attitudes. Most field attendants are very nice too and of course me walking around with a Rockies jersey lends to bad jokes which I can only smile at. This time I was asked if I knew there was a special section for Rockies fans. I just laughed and asked outside? No it wasn't outside but way at the top. All in good fun. I laughed and was wished a great time at Turner Field.

Security is tight, but it's the new world we live in. A first though, I was asked to take off my hat, because people have been known to sneak contraband in underneath. Eventhough it was a baseball game, I smiled took off my hat and said, "No rabbits here." Maybe I should have left the rabbit comment out, but I had to.

Walking into field you can tell this is Ted Turner's field. The not so subtle references to TBS programming let you know that. Beyond that though, stepping off the concourse into the field area, my first thought was, "This is a beautiful field."

There is no awkward place in the seating and the field has a large but close feeling to it. Standing in the outfield for batting practice, I knew I would have no problem sitting in these sections. For batting practice you are allowed to catch as many balls as you would like and you can go down near the dugouts until an hour before game time for autographs no matter what ticket you have. There is an announcement to return to your seats and the field attendants were very un Nazi like in the handling of it. It was nice to see and bonus points to Turner Field. 

Stepping out of the field area into the concourse is another thing though, This is definitely the parks weakest area. The concourse looks old and dim lighting did nothing for me. Food is spread out, but you will have to walk a ways if you want a particular food. The stadium has a variety of food vendors but they are not very close to each other by any means.

If you are any fan of baseball history, this park is loaded with it. All across the concourses you will find photos of Braves teams who have won pennants or World Championships. Individual players are celebrated too and everywhere you look there is some form of memory.

     "Braves" by Tom Walsh

Unobstructed views and affordable seating make this a must see stadium. Ten being the best I'd give it a 9.2 only subtracting for the not so stellar concourses and sparse food stands. Batting practice is very open and you can roam any part of the stadium before game despite the ticket you may have. I have an appreciation for Turner Field and would see a game there again.

     Turner Field at night by Tom Walsh

Day 140

What a memory. What a way to be a part of baseball as a fan. After Monday's possible hit and wondering what would come of 2,000, I caught the moment on camera for posterity Tuesday night.

Wow, if I thought I was nervous Monday trying to capture the moment, I was even more honed in Tuesday. This is a feat less than three hundred players have ever gotten to in Major League Baseball and I knew what it meant to me.

Sitting before the game I couldn't help but think there was someone missing tonight. Every year for probably the last seven or so, I took my father to a Rockies game for his birthday on May 19. Travelling to Atlanta was asking too much of him, as he didn't physically feel up for the trip, but I knew I had to be part of history and I knew I had to bring part of it home for him.

I had a brand new ball, never touched by a players hand, laying in wait in my bag. I knew there was one autograph I wanted tonight, above all others, and I knew why. I wanted Helton to sign for me and I wanted him to sign on the night of his 2,000th hit and it just happened to be on my father's birthday.

I saw Helton sign one other autograph. I like to think it was more than luck when Todd asked for my ball and put his stamp on it. In that second I had just come upon the best birthday gift I could think of.

People say I write with emotion and most of the time I don't recognize it. When I say I couldn't have felt more like I was 8-years-old and loved baseball more than ever, that's pure emotion. Kids often (boys especially) try to get their dad the perfect gift, that as men he would love. When Todd threw the ball back to me, I probably looked like a giddy kid who knew what he had in his hands. I had a ball signed on a monumental night for a historical player by a historical player and it was gonna make the best gift ever.

In the first at-bat Helton would not get his 2,000th, but in the third it came. I nervously clicked and watched the ball blow past my eyes and into the outfield. I knew I had just seen history, but had I captured it? The night before I had taken an alright photo but nothing I would be extremely proud of. Not this one. Nope this one was almost perfect.

I want to post it right here right now, but I'm going to hold back because I want Todd to be the first person to see it. I know that may sound hokey, but I want him to know how much it meant as a fan of the game to be a part of that moment. Until the day I die, I will be able to tell the story of number 2,000.

I will however describe the photo and post the second after. Basically the next photo.

The magic of the camera captured Helton in mid-swing seconds after contacting the ball. The ball is about three feet coming off the bat and Helton looks intent but calm in the swing. With eyes like a tiger capturing his prey, you can see the experience and knowledge in every ounce of his presence. Crack, the ball has just been hit and the next second looked like this.

     Todd Helton "The moment of knowing" by Tom Walsh

This too is a nice photo, but I know it is the moment a milli-second after. The ball is already beginning to travel into the outfield and the people, including Todd, know this one's a hit.

     Todd Helton "The look" by Tom Walsh

I can't begin to describe how rapid my heart beat was as I was looking at the photos to see what I had captured. Did I get it? Was it bad? Did I totally blow it? Again like a wave of emotion, I had it. I had gotten the actual moment a split second after the ball came off the bat.

I would be linked with this moment for the rest of my life. Here was a player who had played the game the right way. Working hard from the minors up, he became an icon of the Colorado Rockies and all things right with the game.

I felt truly blessed and thankful to be part of this opportunity.

Coming up I'll look at the Braves food and fans.

Day 139

     Todd Helton by Tom Walsh

(Atlanta)- I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a special feeling in the air before Monday night's game at Turner Field. Anyone who wanted to talk to me and knew anything about the Rockies was waiting to see  a small part of history.

Todd Helton was sitting on hit 1,999 and could break the threshold getting number 2,000.

I got it alright. A not so great picture of the hit, but there was one little problem- it was ruled an error and is being examined by the league office! I think it was a hit and I'm sad for Todd he was not afforded the moment to properly acknowledge his accomplishment. If he does end up getting credit for it, I will post the pictures.

The Rockies looked good...

It was a great feeling to see the Rockies hitting on all cyclinders. Jason Marquis was on the mound and getting all the ground outs he needed and the defense gave him all the support  neccessary.

     Jason Marquis by Tom Walsh

Pitching a solid eight-innings, Marquis was just the answer to Atlanta's Lowe, who was having a pretty good start to the season.

     Derrick Lowe by Tom Walsh

Lowe kept it close for the Braves most of the game, but would finally give up some hits. The Rockies were on the other side of some run costing bad defensive plays and they would take full advantage.

A win is a win.

The autograph ball is coming along..

Added a few more signatures to the team ball and made Garrett Atkins a promise. I told him signing the ball was lucky. I think it is, because the day Ian Stewart signed it he hit two homeruns and one was a grand slam. He laughed and said he'd take it. I told him it was a slumpbuster and guaranteed it would help him.

     Garrett Atkins by Tom Walsh 

Team ball don't let me down now.

Back in the ATL, Dex had some longtime fan support.

It was easy to spot, in a lackluster Atlanta crowd, that Dexter Fowler had some home grown support in the stands. The shouts and cheers that came with every play of his, was nice to hear, and I'm glad I was able to lend my voice to the effort. Dex had some great plays in the outfield and anytime a ball is sent flying, I have a safe feeling it's going to get caught with the crazy amount of speed and talent he has.

Headed out to catch another game in Atlanta, I can't help but hope for another all-around effort like I saw last night.

 GO ROCKIES!!!

Day 138

Getting into Atlanta it was only fitting. It was raining. I heard the Rockies got pummeled in Pittsburgh and were on their way. Rain was fitting.

Today, as I opened my eyes, the bright sun told it me was a new day and time for a much needed win. I hear I am lucky. It's 70 degrees and very mild. Normally, the locals tell me it's supposed to be around 90 degrees and of course %100 humidity. Lucky me.

I took that luck and struck out in search for that Atlanta peach cobbler that had to be around somewhere. I got some food recommendations from a local Atlantian (I'm not sure what to call someone from Atlanta) and I was en route to such a place when what did my eyes see- Bobby and Junes.

Bobby and June had to have some good eats and I was the intrigued mind to find out. Hell, any place with a swing on it's porch out front has to have some kind of good food inside.

I have been in the south before, but majority of my food eathing experience has come from the many times I have been in the big easy. That is some great food and I couldn't wait to see what Atlanta had to offer. I mean after all, I am not a "small" guy and I love the food experience.

The first thing I recognized in Atlanta, is that I need an interpreter. I never took "deep south" when I was in high school and it's a dialect I am not the most familiar with. Like a low mumble taking halves of words, and splicing them together at a fast pace, catches me off guard and asking "excuse me" quite often.

Walking into Bobby and Junes, I had no idea thee Bobby would be the gentleman holding the door open for me. Probably in his 70's, he looked exactly what I would expect from the owner of this establishment. I can imagine he has seen many years in the kitchen building the reputation. With his white hair and worn face, he was a tough one and you could tell this was his place. 

Seemingly everyone walking in and out knew someone there. This was about as down home southern a place you could get. It was easy to see I was the "odd" man out but I relished the opportunity to be a baseball embassador. Bobby Jr, who seemed to running the day to day, asked me where I was from and I explained I was in town to see the Rockies play the Braves. He said he hoped the Rockies would win and the Braves didn't have a team. I thought it was a nice gesture and didn't really want to remind myself of the Rockies play of late, so I just agreed.

For ten bucks, I ate some great fried pork chops, collared greens, cream corn, biscuits and peach cobbler. Let's see a chain restaraunt come close to that and have as much character and bring an experience like Bobby and June's.

Sitting at a counter that showed it's age, I couldn't help but think of all the events it had seen. I wondered what conversations had been spoken here. Loosely listening, I could hear discussions of car dealership closings and  worried thoughts of mismanaged government on this day.

Autographed pictures of George W. and Dick Cheney along with Georgians of some political nature I had no idea who they were, stared across from me. They all had thank-you's to the Bobby and June for the great food.

As the day grows longer I am more excited for my first trip to Turner field. I drove by it to see if I got that, baseball is played here feeling, like I get from Coors. I do get that feeling and it looks like a beautiful stadium from the outside. In a few short hours I'll be inside it's gates waiting and hoping for the boys of summer from Colorado to put a W up on the board.

I am grateful for the good weather today and I have a good feeling about tonight's game. Of course I will have the latest and greatest from Turner Field and give you the low-down on the food and fans of the Atlanta Braves. The food of Atlanta has been good so far, let's see what Turner Field can bring to the mix.

With a belly full of peach cobbler, I am ready for a win...

Day 136

It's to the point in my life when my generation has become a selling point for Hollywood. Every generation goes through it, but yesterday I knew it was our time. Watching the previews before the latest Star Trek movie, I was bewildered to see an upcoming movie adaptation of a beloved childhood cartoon- G.I.Joe.

I should have known this was coming after the blockbuster hit that was Transformers a few years back. Then there was the bringing back of Indiana Jones for one last shot at getting our dollars. After all, we were the generation dragging our parents to the movies to watch all the previous releases.

But now we are at the point in life where we are having kids (some more than others) and like our parents tried to relive the childhood with Howdy-Doody reruns. Hollywood expects that those of us with children will try to pass it on-the eighties that is. Those of us without will just be happy to bring up some good memories.

Well, I give some of the movie makers credit. When they take an institution like Transformers and capture people to make the movie who loved the original series, then you get a great product. If they had found someone else to do the voice of Optimus Prime, WE would have known.  But not all of our memories of excellent childhood cartoons are great memories.

One of my favorite action figures from the Joe series was "Ace" who came as part of the skystriker plane. I wish Ace could have met his match and gone down in a fight against the evil terrorist organization determined to rule the world- known as COBRA. However, I lost Ace to a child my mom was babysitting for a friend. She took Ace and that left a hole in me that was never replaced.

I never heard what became of Ace. he may have ended up being forced to hang out with Barbie rather than fight the evils of the world. You were not forgotten my friend. You fought many good battles in the skystriker and you were a brave soldier.

Hollywood has just opened that wound yet again.

But I wonder what's next? Will we see some ill-thought up plan to create a Cabbage Patch movie or a CGI version of My Little Pony?

I know, if it sells they will make it, but Hollywood you may have stepped over the line on this one. If this GIJoe is as bad as it looks, my generation is smart enough to pull out the dvd of every episode we could get our hands on, and laughingly stash away for that moment in time when it is needed. The real GIJoe. When after a night of tearing down the town and a Denny's late night rendezvous, one of your friends finds and asks excitedly, "Whoa you have the first season? Let's throw that on." And just like you were 8-years-old again, grown men sit around the tube reliving sandbox moments and the action figure they never got but always wanted or the episode that was their favorite. 

Time will tell if this will rake in more nostalgia dollars, or just be a bad idea gone bust. I dedicate this post to Ace and all the other Joes who were broke or stolen or never reached their full potential in the homes of America's children. Gone but not forgotten.

(And yes I know GIJoe was orginally released after WWII and were like a foot tall, but I'm only referring to the 1980's version.)

Other notes

Yes, Star Trek was a great movie to see, and if you loved the franchise at all you won't be disapointed with this one. I grew up on Star Trek too (reruns of the original series and the movies and the next generation) so I treaded lightly into this one. However, there was not ounce of dissapointment. The writing was almost Rodenberry himself (original creator who's dead) and the graphics were spectacular. There is a part in the movie where they are battling on a mining apparatus and it actually had my heart racing, not only because of my fear of heights, but the cinematography was excellent. It's a fun movie.

And not to be overlooked as this IS a baseball blog, the Rockies pulled out some late inning heroics with Brad Hawpe himself taking one yard to add to a three-run ninth inning, winning the game 3-1 against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Nicely done Hawper, let's see more of it this whole away series. 

Day 135

The mid-week series versus the Astros was nothing really to write home about, in case you hadn't heard. The Rockies would fight back, and it was awesome to see a grand slam Wednesday night, but they would lose 15-11. Thursday was just about getting a sunburn and watching the Rockies defense do it's best impression of the Bad News Bears by committing three errors in the first two innings. No defense=no wins and unearned runs.

After waking up today and realizing the week's melee, I started to blow my nose and realize the Rockies and I are a lot alike.

The Rockies get hot in shifts and seem like they are going to pull out a winning streak of more than two games.

I get sick and hot and seeminlgy need to pull out more than two tissues.

Rockies pitching is hit and miss and leaves you wondering whether or not it needs professional attention.

My immune system, which is seemingly that of a child, is making me wonder if I need professional help.

Opponents pitching is not throwing up it's arms in surrender (despite the photo) ohh big stretch.

     Mike Hampton "I give up" by Tom Walsh

The Rockies starting hitting is less than spectacular (or intimidating) and when you have almost four of your top nine players hitting below average, you need to refresh some ideas on hitting.

My chest is so congested I feel like refreshing my head into this keyboard.

The coaches are grabbing at ideas to help the club put together some wins. The players are just grabbing. Case in point.

     Ian Stewart by Tom Walsh

I am grabbing for another decongestant to help the breathing along.

The Rockies are hoping a road trip until the 24th of May will maybe get them going.

I'm hoping this Vitamin C and swift kick in the butt will get me going to prepare a little more for my trip to Atlanta Sunday.

With that said..

Special kudos to Matt Daley for his lights out performance against the Astros in relief Thursday. Your pitching was a brightspot and greatly appreciated. If only the defense had not given up three errors for two or three unearned runs, you might have had a winner on your hands. Keep up the good work.

And yes, for those following my wager against an overblown fan in Houston, known as a best friend, I am down 2-1 with four more games to play in Houston come the start of June. Daddy's getting new shoes is not looking spectacular, but the bet is not over yet, so who knows.

Day 133

The weather was perfect for a game and beforehand I should have known it was going to be a great day.

Standing on the sidelines, I was watching batting practice with a father and son. The son Josh was attending his first baseball game and his father Dave was a class act who was more than happy to show his son the ropes. Standing there I realized the kid could, with his attitude, score big time today in the free ball department. So a few tricks later and some mild coaching and whatdya know. The kid has his first official ball in hand.

For the first time at the ballpark, the kid scored monumentally. Not only did he get his first ball, but he was smart enough to ask Ian Stewart for a picture. Stewart would go on to hit two homeruns, one being a grand slam. Autographs galore, pictures and his first ball, I should have known this was going to be good. I also had Stewart sign my team ball and he only signed about seven autographs before his warmup so I was very lucky. Come to think of it, maybe the team ball gave him some luck...

And I'm not sure whether it was just my great conversation or the skills I imparted to his son, but Dave from Long Island was cool enough to buy me a beer. Thanks Dave. It hit the spot and it was great talking some old Mets memories with ya. I hope your boy takes you to show- and-tell so you can explain to all his friends the day he had!

     Dave, his son Josh and yours truly

I even got Todd Helton to sign the team ball although my pen was dead so it had to be sharpie. Unfortunately my team ball has become a mixture of sharpie and pen, but oh well. There was one main autograph I was dying to get. I took a picture of Dexter Fowler, our crazy talented rookie, and knew it was another "hang on the wall" worthy photo. Again this is a photo of a photo so not the greatest quality, but you can check it out. Notice the pitchers eyes as he's in his windup and Dex is taking off to steal. I love this photo.

Dex liked it too and took a long look at it. Maybe, in his Major League infancy he has not seen a photo of himself yet. If this was his first, then I'd be proud to say it was a good one. With the photo autographed, I told Dex I'd see him in Atlanta. He was happy to hear and said he'd see me there.

So I added Todd and Ian to the team ball and got another keepsake one a kind photo signed, the day was starting out perfect.

Day 132

It's crazy to think there is an entire city in this world basically built upon the idea of gambling. The wagering of money in large amounts from billions of people coming through it year in and out. The beautiful city of Las Vegas shines like a oasis in the desert.

I'd be lying if I said there aren't a couple of sidewalks in Las Vegas that I helped build. Sometimes I get a sense of pride as I'm walking down the street knowing I generously help build some of these mammoth structures. Mostly though, I'm just trying to forget like the pain of a pregnant woman who still has another baby after she forgets how she cursed the man who impregnated her.

So, here I am today and what starts the beginning of the Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros series. Yeah, no big deal to most. But for me, this is the start of a yearly wagering event where not only goods and services are lost, more importantly the bragging rights that come along with a series win. No Las Vegas, but the stakes are just as high.

After graduating from college, my good friend and roommate Ozzy decided to become one of those people called Houstonites or Houstonians or another name this writer is unaware of. That started it all.

See in Texas, people have this complex that everything is bigger and better. Drive through the state and you'll see all the signs. Even littering signs will proclaim "Don't mess with Texas don't litter." Plenty of places to read "Everything is bigger in Texas." Yes, I agree even overblown attitudes of grandeur. And that is where the heated series between the Rockies and Astros gets its roots.

Ozzy has this grand idea the Astros are better than the Rockies, eventhough he was a Rockies fan until his departure. I can't help but think it was the heat and living in desert like conditions, except with %100 humidity, that warped his brain. That's no excuse though.

So every year, well in advance we talk smack somewhere over some beer sometime. It could be Christmas or the middle of February. It always gets brought up and each year the bet raised just a little higher.

One year the victory was sweet as I was paid my winnings during my birthday trip to Mardi Gras with the boys in tow. Ozzy handed me my winnings and they became some of the tastiest beers I can remember. I think they call that the sweet taste of victory.

Last year was frustrating because of the scheduling of Major League Baseball. The series was only six games, so there could be a tie. My Rockies went up a quick three games only to lose the next three and thereby tied the series. No bragging rights last year.

When the schedules were announced this year, I was quick to notice it was a seven gamer. Yep, somebody would have to win. No wussy ties this year.

So of course there have been jabs thrown and more smack talk along the way. This will be the first year I will get to see the entire series live, as I'll be going this whole week in Denver and then travelling to Houston in June to finish it off.

And the new addition to the bet this year beyond the simple money (which is always good) is a bottle of wine (loser chooses). The loses chooses could make for an interesting bottle of wine, but I have drank some really bad wine in my lifetime. So I'm not sure there are any sour grapes from a loser that I haven't already had.

Maybe I should be looking at wine selections, but I'm sure there will be no need for that.

Go ROCKIES!! Daddy needs new shoes...

Funny Photos. Todd Helton putting his tongue out to the camera and Ubaldo flipping it off?

    Spotted! Todd Helton by Tom Walsh

    Ubaldo flipping the bird? by Tom Walsh

Day 129

If you are a Rockies fan, lately you know how the team has been doing. Although there are some bright spots, there's a lot of at bats like these. Watch the ball and batters eyes in each of these plays. It says everything of late.

     Dexter Fowler by Tom Walsh

That's a strike that blew by. And some more like these.

      Ryan Spilborghs by Tom Walsh

More of the same. Low balls being swung on equals no offense.

     Ian Stewart by Tom Walsh

Strikes right down the middle too.

     Dexter Fowler by Tom Walsh

No hits, no runs to back up pitching that's not been top notch the last two games.

              Jason Marquis by Tom Walsh

Bad outings leads to moments like this.

     Jason Marquis end of day by Tom Walsh

     Ian Stewart by Tom Walsh

And having 2 errors and a total of four really poor plays at third that let runs score, can make for loneliness in the infield.

Somebody has to break the streak and start scoring runs and lasting through the 5th inning and 86 pitches.

When Did Kelly from The Bad News Bears make the Pros?

     Tim Lincecum by Tom Walsh

Tim Lincecum looks like he should be pitching in high school. I will say the guy seems like the coolest person he could be. After workouts, he made it a point to sign every autograph and take pictures with fans who were waiting for him.

     Tim Lincecum by Tom Walsh

I hope to see him at work on the mound soon and it will be interesting to see how his career turns out.

Until then I'll still crack up how small and young this guys looks but what devastation he can bring to opposing hitters. You really have to see this kid in real life to see what I mean.

Day 127

I should have known yesterday walking into Coors that someone in purple would comment on how they would like to see Randy Johnson win at Coors, lock up some history and get closer to becoming a 300 winner.

Sorry, but not in our house.

Don't get me wrong, As the usher taking my ticket, started to chat with me about how he wanted to see Johnson win, I wasn't mad at him. I like Johnson and I think he has been a great part of the game his whole career. The guy is money and he'll get his wins-just not at Coors.

There's a reason I took a ton of photos of the man. He's living history and deservingly so.

                           Randy Johnson by Tom Walsh

     Randy Johnson by Tom Walsh 

     Randy Johnson by Tom Walsh

There was another pitcher on the mound too I feel I am watching the first years of his living history career.

     Ubaldo Jimenez by Tom Walsh

He's young and if he can consistently keep command of his fastball, I can't wait to see how far he goes.

                Ubaldo Jimenez by Tom Walsh

Ubaldo was incredible last night, and other than a charged run that came when he left the mound, he pitched 7 scoreless innings.

     Ubaldo Jimenez by Tom Walsh

When he is on, there is nothing prettier and although it was minor, I can't say I wasn't excited when he had a no-no going through four. I know it's only four innings but that's how it starts.

Speaking of starts, I have to now cut this post short to make it to the day game starting shortly. I have a ton of picts from this game and I'm sure I'll get more at today's so with enough time I'll be sure to get some more out.

Day 126

Sitting down to read some baseball blogs, you may recognize there are all types of bloggers. You can find angry bloggers and happy bloggers, naive bloggers or ones with eternal hope.

Today's Timeout at the Plate focuses on a blogger who has love for all the teams in her "area." I say "area" because this blogger values her privacy and this writer has no clue as to where she really lives. But that's okay, because here at the Timeout franchise we value privacy of all those cool enough to submit their time to the format. You don't need to tell me anything more than you would like and I make sure each and every participant knows that. The only thing that is not a mystery about this blogger is her love for the game.

In all honesty I have no idea who "Erin" really is, but that doesn't matter because when Plunking Gomez hit the blogs it was near an instant sensation. Rightly so, as this blog contains everything Minnesota in one respect or another and just saying the word plunk makes for a fun visit. Plunk, plunk, plunk...sorry I digress.. 

So with no further hesitation I present to you the genius behind the Plunking Gomez sensation and maybe a little more into the mind of the mysterious Erin Kathleen.

I think I may be the biggest fan on MLBlogs of the name "Plunking Gomez." I can't recall how many times on the community blog I put Plunking Gomez is the best just to be able to write Plunking Gomez. Please explain how you came to the title.

Well, since I don't visit the community blog very often, I'll have to take your word for it.Coming up with the title was actually the hardest part of the whole thing. It just seemed like all of the
clever blog titles were taken, and I was having trouble coming up with something clever and original. But then I remembered Go-Go, and how he would annoy opposing pitchers with his attempts to bunt and steal and just cause havoc on the base paths. And occasionally, a pitcher would get fed up with his antics and throw at him. And thus, an original, if not necessarily clever, blog title was born.

Anyone who reads your blog, depending on the season, can tell you are an all around Minnesota sports fan. Is baseball your first love?

Yes, and it's mostly because my first memories of the Twins were of them winning a World Series. If my first memories of the Vikings were of a Super Bowl title, and not of my father swearing at the tv, then I would probably love football more. That's just the way it is.

I think though, that as I've gotten older, I've started to appreciate the game itself a lot more. I like how slow it is. I love how pitchers and hitters are always playing mind games with each other. I love stolen bases and good defensive plays, and just little things like that. They're almost more exciting than home runs. Almost. But mostly I love how unpredictable it is. Sometimes it's great, like when the 2006 Twins made an incredible late-season run to capture the division title before getting swept by Oakland in the ALDS. And sometimes it's frustrating, like when the 2007 Twins got off their best start in nearly a decade, posting a 10-6 record by the end of April, only to fade down the stretch and finish 79-83, their worst record since Ron Gardenhire took over in 2002.

When I think of your blog I think "jaded" as a descriptive word for your feelings on Minnesota sports. Is this correct and if yes, why?

Well, I don't know jaded is really the right word. Realistic perhaps. You just tend to not expect much after suffering through many years of failure and mediocrity. And even when you finally have a good team you just can't allow yourself to get too excited about the season.
You always have this nagging feeling of impending doom, like this is all too good to be true and something bad is about to happen. At least that's what I learned from the 1998 Vikings.

I can't really think of a pitching staff that overall has been lights out this season so far. The Twins picked up Juan Morillo from the Rockies to help their staff and the dude has a nasty fastball but lacks command. Do you think the pitching coaches in Minnesota can change his career around?

I hope so. A guy whose fastball averages around 96.5 mph would certainly be a good thing to have in the bullpen! Morillo wasn't great with the Twins, but he still has a lot of upside and it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff can tame some of his wildness. He just cleared waivers and was sent down to AAA Rochester, where he's been perfect in his three appearances so far. I do think he'll benefit from working with Bobby Cuellar, the Red Wings' pitching coach, who's had a great deal of success in teaching a lot of the Twins' prospects to throw strikes. He doesn't yet have a good breaking pitch to complement his fastball, other than a seldom-used slider, so perhaps the coaching staff will try to teach him the changeup.

Erin, what's the biggest thing that irks you about Twins baseball?

Do you mean how the Twins play? Or the organization itself? Because the thing that's driving me the most insane right now is all of the runners stranded on base. The pitching is making me want to vomit right now, too.

Lately you have been giving a lot of love to Joe Mauer. Is this Jen J. Diatribe of a Law Student type crush love or just a great deal of admiration for the guy?

It is a great deal of admiration for the guy. Oh, don't get me wrong, I think Joe is cute and everything. But I don't care all that much about that kind of thing. I wouldn't want a guy on my team who can't hit or field his position, no matter how good-looking he is. But mostly I'm just amazed at what Joe can do both on the field and at the plate. He has such a good eye at the plate, and he has to be one of the toughest hitters to get out in the league. And besides being a two-time batting champ, he's also one of the best defensive catchers in the game, not to mention a sort of babysitter for the somewhat inexperienced pitching staff. I guess it just kind of amazes me that he's so good while playing one of the most physically demanding
positions in the game.

Speaking of Jen J. the loss of Joe Crede to the Twins was a big blow to that gal. What player loss on the Twins would be a similar impact for yourself?

Well, obviously losing Mauer would be tough. It's probably inevitable, but the thought of Joe in anything but a Twins uniform makes me ill. Losing Johan Santana was hard, too, since he's basically a strikeout machine and the rest of the young starters will probably never be that good. But this is the kind of thing you get used to when you're a fan of one of the most frugal organizations in baseball. Once a player develops into a star, he's probably going to
end up leaving via free agency. Or he'll get traded for a bunch of prospects, and the whole process will start all over again.

It's still early in the season and the Twins have had some ups and downs. Do you think with all your in-depth analysis at Plunking Gomez you have an idea of how the rest of the season is going to go?

Oh, I don't know. Before the season started I wrote that I didn't think this would be much better than a .500 team, even with Mauer in the lineup, and so far that assessment has been correct. I think the starting pitchers will probably be OK. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey
are certainly much better than their performances to date would indicate. But Glen Perkins will come back down to earth, and Nick Blackburn probably won't be anything more than a back-of-the-rotation starter in the mold of Jon Garland and Carlos Silva. Some of the
right-handed hitters in the lineup might start to be more productive, but having to divide playing time among four outfielders seems to be hurting the development of some of the younger players.

 But most of all, I think that the failure to add a competent reliever during the
off-season is going to haunt the Twins. Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain have had to log a lot of innings so far this year, and Crain's shoulder has already started to suffer for it. Jose Mijares shows a lot of promise, but it's really only his first season in the major leagues and it's too early to tell if he will continue to be a dominant reliever. The rest of the bullpen are a bunch of stiffs who probably shouldn't pitch in blowouts, let alone close games.

Finally, if you had to pick just one Minnesota franchise to win it all, who would it be?

The Vikings. Vikings fans have suffered enough already!

 

Day 125

Recently a stranger reminded me of a favorite Bob Marley song of mine, Three Little Birds. Absolute favorite I've been close to for years, this particular tune is going to grace this post as I prepare the next Timeout raring to come out.

"Singing don't worry... about a thing...every little thing gonna be alright"

Ianetta Slams Rockies Past Friars in San Diego (Grand Slam that is and this ain't no Dennys variety)

"Singing sweet songs of melodies pure and true, this is my message to you."

Cook 1-1 to Take the Mound in Second Game of Padres Series

"Rise up this morning, Smile with the rising son. Three little birds sit by my door step singing sweet songs."

Rockies Look to Take Underdog role in Division

"Saying don't worry about a thing. Cause Everything little thing gonna be alright." 

Lastly, my pisces horoscope for the day and I ain't worried about a thing...

You wake up to the same responsibilities you had last month, but something is different now. You've been through a metaphysical growth spurt and now you have the hard work in front of you to integrate your recent spiritual experiences into your life. Don't just write about your journeys like a schoolchild might report on his or her vacation. Instead, strive to recapture the height of your awakening by living and breathing your new perspective.

(Programming note: Hopefully, if all goes well, the next Timeout at the Plate will break out for you the reader tomorrow. This Timeout will take a look at someone who maybe you think you know, but who loves their privacy and we here at the Timeout series are all about catering to anyone willing to be cool enough to be part of the series. With Privacy in check, look in and find out why jaded is not the correct word behind this bloggers attitude of their cities sports). 

Day 123

Sorry for the delay in posts. It's been... a weekend.

So, remember that photo I told you about, that I couldn't post because movable type was punking me and I was pictureless for that stretch? No, you don't remember? The one I said was a "keepable" and when I had a wall of my own I was going to hang it on. That one?

Okay, well if you don't I won't hold it against you. It's a picture, a favorite of mine, of the Rockies top prospect in the Minors now and it's his third stolen base in Triple-A ball. Well, today that picture got a little better.

If you have ever read anything about my blog and what I feel about autographs. you know that I have a memory behind every autograph I've ever gotten. They mean something to me. Each one is a moment in time and I'm not some collector that jams up a player for an unlimited number of autographs to sell. So here it is. Here's the photo of Eric Young Jr. and I explained to him when I took it and what it was. He was happy to sign it and I think liked it as he took a moment to examine it.

     Eric Young Jr. by Tom Walsh

So eventhough that is a picture of a picture and not completely the best "copy" here, is it what I described? I know I am biased, but it truly is one of my favorite sports photos. The greatest thing about it is it's the only one in existence. That's what I mean about my autographs. They are all special and this one is no different. It's my photo and memory and I know everything about it. Who, what when where and why.

Today, I wanted to catch some baseball because the last few days have been rainy and soggy and today's forecast had some rain but called for sunshines. Hallejulah sunshine!

I met up with a friend Brian, a former high school pitcher who is proud to say Chase Headley of the Padres went o-fer against him in high school in Colorado Springs.. A suprise came in the first game of a double-header when who do I spot in the crowd, but Don of Rockpile Rant and his son taking in some sunshine and a ball game. I guess great minds think alike! Don's son was proud to exclaim he had gotten two balls from ballplayers. This where I put in the apple falling too far from the tree bit?!

Faces of the minors...

On the mound for the make-up game was a Rockies familiar face Jason Hirsh. Other than giving up a two run bomb he seemed pretty solid on the mound. I didn't have much negative to say on his day out.

      Jason Hirsh by Tom Walsh

I did like his attitude though when I was taking his picture and he completely went with it. Thanks Jason. You had me laughing and were a good sport He is one of the faces of the minors and I hope you enjoy laughing with them as much as I had taking them

      Jason Hirsh "serious" by Tom Walsh

Okay Jason now give me serious.but aware. Work with me..

     Jason Hirsh "playful" by Tom Walsh.

Okay now give me playful. Good, roll with it,,,good.

              Jason Hirsh "happy" by Tom Walsh

Something to that Samson story...?

Do you recognize this guy?

     Sal Fasano by Tom Walsh

If you don't, it's because he used to look like this. As a matter of fact it's basically his trademark

"You saw her bathing on the roof. Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya. She tied you to her kitchen chair and she broke your throne and cut your hair and from your lips you drew a hallelujah."

Like Samson, Sal because of SkySox clubhouse facial hair rules, is a seeminlgy weak soul void of all his powers. His at-bats look like this.

     Sal Fasano by Tom Walsh

Hang in there Sal.

     Sal Fasano by Tom Walsh

Everybody has a day like that...