THE ATLANTA BRAVES

Gee, I was hoping there might be another fan out there.

Sorry to be so late, Mapleleaf!

I'm a MAJOR Braves fan and have been one since they won the World Series in Milwaukee. Must admit I was concerned with the wholesale changes in the pitching staff after last season, and I really wish Ted still owned the team. I also miss Skip and Pete every time I watch.

Having said all that, this team has been amazing, hasn't it? And I love Marcus. It's great seeing him play so well! And how about Furcal, not to mention the Joneses, Sheffield--Javy Lopez is even hitting well!

B. and I turn on the radio and turn-down the audio on the TV. Can't miss Skip's golden goodies remarks. Actually, they are playing like a baseball team should play. Furcal gets on, Marcus moves him over and one of the big three knock in the runs. Now, we will have to see if they can maintain the quality play through the season. Is it just me, or does Sheffield look like he is enjoying himself? I swear; he looks happy.

I envy you having access to the radio broadcasts. I have nothing against Joe Simpson, as long as he's paired with Skip. I find Don Sutton repetitive in the extreme. And I really miss hearing Skip say, "Right you are, Joe Simpson" several times a week. It's like I've lost a friend!

If the team weren't playing so well, I'd find something else to do. Bobby must love finally having a team that can hit worth a damn! They even win games when they give up five or six runs. Amazing! And yes, Sheffield does seem to be having fun. Did you that shot to the left field wall the other night that practically knocked over poor Brian Jordan?

We are not Don Sutton fans; Joe is OK. I probably missed the SHOT TO THE LEFT FIELD WALL. It is heartening, this year, to see the team coming from behind to win.

Joe seems like a nice guy, and he's an ex-Seattle Mariner (and announcer). Don, I'm not so sure about. Plus he should've kept this mouth shut during the recent Hall of Fame fiasco when the "Bull Durham" event was cancelled. He sided with the Hall of Fame.

Skip is probably equally as conservative, but he seemed to know how to keep his mouth shut about it. He's genuinely funny and tells great stories of the old days. He once said that when the St. Louis Browns were playing (and badly), the city's motto was: "First in shoes, first in booze, and last in the American League." Great stuff!

Agreed...we miss him on TV, but, of course, we are LOCAL FOLKS.

But you can catch Skip and Pete on Turner Sports cable, no?

Sure can, in fact, we did it today. By the way, I read the Times article.

It's always nice to see baseball coverage in the Times focussing on something other than the Yankees and Mets. Though, of course, reading about the Yankees now has been more fun than usual. I think Steinbrenner must be just about ready to implode, or will be if his team doesn't turn it around vs. Boston this week.

Meanwhile, 31-13--I love it!

I'm ready for baseball...Atlanta Braves that is. Anyone else out there who's getting restless?

Yep. Must try to take a day off if Smoltz pitches opening day and it's on TBS!

i've been eagerly & impatiently waiting for 4/3/05 since 10/27/04... that was one loooooooong friggin' winter!!

Baseball, to me, is a sign of Spring; it brings a big smile on my face.

B. and I enjoy watching the Braves on TV. We don't feel comfortable traveling at night...so we seldom attend the games in person.

Who did we give up to get our closer...Kolb(?) I wonder what's going on in his head? B. and I look forward to following the new kids...

Our town of Rome, GA has a new stadium (3 years) and the Rome Braves...a minor league affiliate.

no one -- they moved smoltz back to the starting rotation...

It will be interesting to see how Bobby maintains a competitive team????

Well, being an avid Marlins fan (who as I speak are pulling a great 9th inning 3 run comeback) I don't really like the Braves to put it nicely. I enjoy every loss they have.

The Marlins look tough this year. I see the Braves hanging in there, but their bullpen better gel in a hurry. Right now, the last few innings are a real adventure when the Braves have less than a five-run lead.