2004blogjunejuly26

THE SKINNY: It was another close one Sunday as the Braves beat the Catfish for one final time this season, 6-5. It was 2-2 until Matt Esquivel chopped a two-run homer. But even that wasn't enough as the Braves needed one more score to put it away. It marked the last we'll see of Columbus this season. But more important is who is next: The third-place Charleston Riverdogs. The Braves have a one-game lead on the 'Dogs and sit in second place. Two wins vs. Charleston are must-haves. The Cap City Bombers are maintaining a deadlock on first place and the Braves have only three more games with them, all away. Rome is playing for the division win to get back to the SAL's post season BUT a second-place finish behind Cap City would make that happen, too. The reason: In the SAL playoffs, the winners of the two divisions at the end of the first and second halves of the season go the playoffs. Cap City is in so if the Bombers win the second half, the runner-up team goes to the playoffs. The Braves faced a similar situation last season until the closing games when they won the second half title.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: Sunday's game was an exciting one. The K Club had nine strike outs. Three new K Club members from Calhoun helped cheer the Rome Braves to a 6-5 win: their names are Daniel, Scarlet and Katie. Hope you three come back soon. William F. is doing fine and should be at Monday's game. He wanted to thank everyone for their support.--Ernie the K Man.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Monday vs. Riverdogs. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

SUNDAY STADIUM BEER SALES: Check the latest on this issue by clicking HERE.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong.

GET BLOG E-MAIL ALERTS: For the latest updates on the Rome Braves, just send us your e-mail address and, in the subject line, write: "braves bloggers." You'll get first notice of any team updates, roster moves and more. Send your e-mail by clicking HERE.

(7/24) russell'n up a win

THE SKINNY: Braves pitcher Stephen Russell tossed a lightening-fast game, ending in just two hours and 16 minutes. You would have thought Greg Maddux was throwing. Russell had eight strong innings, allowing two runs. The Braves scored the deciding run in the eighth and Wes Letson came on in the ninth to get his first save. Rome plays the archrival Columbus Catfish for the final time this season on Sunday and then welcome the Riverdogs for a three-set starting Monday.

EARLY WORDS FROM ERNIE: We got this pre-game update from the K Man on Section 206 regular Bill Fricks: "William Fricks called today and wanted to thank everyone for all the help last night. He's OK but probably will not make it to Saturday's game. Ernie 'The K-Man' Studard."

AIRBALL: 2 p.m. Sunday vs. Columbus. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

ROSTER MOVE: Outfielder Jamie Hemmingway returns to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Carolina League effective today. Hemmingway, who joined Rome on July 6, hit .275 in 51 plate appearances.

SUNDAY STADIUM BEER SALES: Check the latest on this issue by clicking HERE.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong.

(7/23) blown out! braves lose, 12-3

THE SKINNY: Early in the evening, a Braves' staffer joked about transferring some of Thursday night's runs to Friday. Not needed, we said. "Upon further review...." maybe they were. The Catfish put three on the board in the top of the first and, despite the Braves matching that mark, things sank in the late innings. Final score: Catfish 12, Rome 3.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Columbus. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: I don't think I have ever seen the medics from Floyd Medical Center so busy. I think they had at least eight people that they treated tonight, including one of the K Club members, William F. William has been carrying his baseball glove to the park for over a year and a half, and the only ball he has gotten was one he found in the parking lot. That was until tonight. A foul ball was hit toward the K Club in Section 206. William had his glove on and the ball in sight when it missed his glove and struck him in the face. I checked on William at the Floyd Medical Center tonight. William and his wife were waiting on the results of the X-rays. William said he plans to be at the ball game on Saturday. Thanks to the fan that gave him the ball. The K Club had eight strike outs and one double play. Thanks again to the FMC medics. I am not sure if people realize how hard they work, especially when it is hot like tonight. --The K-Man (Editor's note: The K Man deserves kudos of his own. Ernie was at the EMTs' sides for just about all those calls last night and then ensured an older fan got to her car safely. Maybe that K stands for Kare).

SUNDAY STADIUM BEER SALES: Check the latest on this issue by clicking HERE.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong.

(7/22) blowout! braves 'win,' 18-1

THE SKINNY: Yeah, we did a double take, too. Even when it was 9 to 1, we were scratching our heads. And then, poof, an 18-1 win over the scalded Riverdogs. How hot are the Braves? 9-1 in their last 10 starts--and now they start a six-game home stand.

WHAT'S NEXT: Three at home with the Catfish and then three with the Riverdogs including a 1p.m. Wednesday game. And this will scare you: The next home stand begins Aug. 2 and it will be the first of the last 19 home games of the regular season.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: It is great to be back home. We got to see the Pelicans play this week and we saw several of last year's Rome Braves. It is amazing that over half their team is made up of Rome Braves. Check out the Rome Braves Web site: wait for the pictures to change on the front page. YELLOW Ks EVERYWHERE! We will see everyone on Friday. --Ernie "The K Man" Studard

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday vs. Columbus. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

SUNDAY STADIUM BEER SALES: Check the latest on this issue by clicking HERE.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong.

(7/21) spirit of 7-to-6

THE SKINNY: What is it about July Wednesdays and the Riverdogs? For the second week in a row, the Braves beat Charleston on a Wednesday, this time in a close afternoon game, 7-6. What's weird is they play next Wednesday, in another afternoon tilt, at State Mutual. That's three Wednesdays in a row. Whatever, the Braves are now one game above .500 and 7-1 in their last eight starts and 8-2 in their last 10--best in the South Atlantic League.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Thursday from Charleston. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE. The Braves return home to play Columbus starting Friday.

(7/20) streaking no more

THE SKINNY: Well, it was fun for six games but the Rome Braves' streak of consecutive games ends at six, courtesy of the Charleston RiverDogs. The 'Dogs won it, 8-0.

AIRBALL: Noon Wednesday from Charleston. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE..

(7/19) swept away!

THE SKINNY: The Braves swept their second straight set of games Monday with a 6-4 win over the Columbus Catfish. Riding a 6-0 win streak, the Braves now board a bus to Charleston for a three-game road trip with the RiverDogs. Two of three wins should give Rome second place in the SAL Southern Division; they're in third as of tonight with a 12-11 spread; Charleston is in second at 13-10. Cap City is on top.

K MAN MIA: Bill and Randy did their best subbing for the K Man as he continues his vacation--in Myrtle Beach, no less, harassing the Pelicans. Let's see: Ernie leaves, the Braves go on a six-game streak. Hmmm.....

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Tuesday from Charleston. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE. Wednesday's game begins at 12:05 p.m. from Charleston.

SUNDAY SALES AT THE STADIUM? Please check our story on a proposal to allow Sunday by-the-drink alcohol sales in the city of Rome (including the stadium). The issue has to clear several hurdles before being placed on the Nov. 2 ballot in Rome. Click HERE for more.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong.

(7/18) zero-point-five-zero-zero!

THE SKINNY: The Braves are back at the .500 level with an 11-11 record thanks to five consecutive wins. Today's victims: Once again, the Catfish. Final score: 6-5. With crunch time approaching, the Braves are three games back and building steam. Looming large after the Catfish: two series with Charleston (with Columbus in between), a three-nighter in Asheville and then four consecutive series with the SAL North. There's nearly 50 games to go before the playoffs so there's plenty of time for a stretch run.

SOUNDS OF THE GAME: The best way to experience a Braves' win is in person, followed by listening to Randy and Al on radio or on the 'Net. We had to settle for another venue on Sunday, the Braves-Catfish game via the other guys' home station, 540 AM in Columbus. We were motoring back from St. George and were in the area so we dialed it up. Our timing couldn't have been better: the explosive third inning when the game was put away for good (even if the Catfish did make it interesting toward the end). Give the 540 AM guys credit: They got all the players' names right, were up-to-date on roster issues (welcome back, Chuck and Matt; good luck, Ardley) and gave credit where due. We still prefer the home team broadcasting the home team.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Monday from State Mutual. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

blog vacation edition (almost)

THE SKINNY: OK, so we're adding one more result: 12-4 Braves over the Catfish. The Blog Editor was temped to leave for the beach early and stay overnight in C-bus, watching this game. Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda. What matters is Braves win, 12-4. To say we needed this one is... dead-on. Nice work, folks!

AIRBALL: You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(7/9) 0.21 out of last place

THE SKINNY: The numbers say it all: 4-10 thanks to a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Catfish (yeah, them). Rome is now 0.21 out of last place in the SAL Southern Division. Only Augusta is worse at 4-11.

WORLD HIFI/WLAQ PLAYER OF THE MONTH: JAKE STEVENS: June's winner of an MP3 player from World Hifi is pitcher Jake Stevens who had an ERA of 0.0 for the month. Stevens posted a 3-0 record and one save in five appearances. He had 29 strikeouts and four walks, and opposing teams had a combined .131 against him.

JOIN THE ROME BRAVES FAN CLUB: Click HERE for a printable application form and all the information you need. The club is now more than 100 members strong. Next club meeting: Thursday, July 15, at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Power auditorium on Holmes Street in East Rome (off Cooper Drive).

THE SKINNY: Final score 7-0. It was one of the worst executed games the Braves have played at home. 'Nuff said.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: There were 1,000 Ks given out at the ball park tonight. The K man and his wife, Linda, were interviewed by a film crew trying to find which minor league ball park has the best fans. No need for them to go any other city. With 1,000 Rome Braves fans holding the black and yellow Ks, there is no other fan base as good as Rome. I just wanted to thank John and Katelynn's parents for making them "K Time T-shirts." On the back it said, "What Time Is It?" and on the front it said. "K time."

It is 11:15 on Thursday night and for those of you who know the K Man, I am working on about three hours sleep in the last 36. I wanted to thank Randy Davis for broadcasting the game Wednesday night. On my way to and from Summerville (state crime lab) last night, I was able to keep up with the Rome Braves.

The next home game is July 17th. Hope the Rome Braves have Matt back and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have Chuck James on their roster. Good night, The K Man.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday from Columbus. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

GILES JOINS THE CLUB--ON THE ROAD: Atlanta Braves second baseman Marcus Giles joins the Rome Braves Friday in Columbus for a brief rehab stint. He broke his collar bone in a horrific collision May 15. Giles played in the South Atlantic League in 1998 and was the league's Most Valuable Player award after leading the circuit with 37 homeruns, 108 RBI and a .636 slugging percentage. His .329 batting average ranked third in the SAL.

(7/7) UPDATED: STORMY WEATHER: The Rome Braves had another triple-witching hour day on Wednesday. First, they learned pitcher Kyle Bakker was leaving the team. Next they lost the suspended game with Savannah thanks in part to one of the most silent grand slams you'll ever witness. Final score, 8-1. And then came yet another weather delay, this one lasting close to three hours, and yet another lose, 7-2. Rome is now 4-8 on the season's second half, some 5 1/2 games out of first and just one game out of last place. If the Braves have had any luck during this second half, it has been almost all bad.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Thursday vs. Savannah and this one is special. You can listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE or, for the first time this year, you can watch it on Comcast Sports Southeast.

NIGHT OF 1,000 Ks: Don't forget: The Strike Out Club and the Rome Braves Fan Club will pass out 1,000 yellow-and-black Ks to fans tonight to use each time a Braves pitcher swats a 'Gnat. Click HERE for more.

MORE ROSTER MOVES: Left-handed relief pitcher Kyle Bakker has left the team after posting a 3-0 record and a 1.91 ERA in h is 20 appearances. Lefty Wesley Letson from Danville joins the team Thursday; he was 0-0 in five appearances with a 2.79 ERA. UPDATE: Check back later today for more updates.

(7/6) BRAVES WIN FIRST GAME; THEN CHASED BY LIGHTNING: The Rome Braves won the first game of a double header with the Savannah SandGnats by a 4-0 score but then saw game two suspended in the fifth because of lightning. The suspended game will resume at 6 tonight prior to the regularly scheduled game at 7.

AIRBALL: 6 p.m. Wednesday vs. Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: The K Man and his wife were late tonight but the K Club was able to hang five Ks and two DPs in the first game. The fun began when Shea from Roswell hung the first K in the second game. Daniel got to hang a K tonight and so did John. In fact, John took the K Man's sign and asked the crowd those four famous words, "What Time Is It?" John's sister Katelynn was there and their whole family plans to be at the game on Thursday when the K club gives out several hundred yellow and black Ks.

Charlie (section 206) caught a foul ball tonight behind his back. It fell behind his back and his seat. He reached back and pulled the ball out and was more surprised than the fans around him. J

Jerry Miller, the usher for sections 206 and 208, has been in the hospital this week and so has Adrian Carney. Lets keep them in our prayers.--Ernie "The K Man" Studard

ROSTER MOVES: Pitcher Jo Jo Reyes has been placed on the disabled list retroactive to July 2 with tendonitis. Devin Anderson will join Rome from Danville where he was 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA in three appearances.

MATT ESQUIVEL PLACED ON INACTIVE LIST

All-Star Rome Braves outfielder Matt Esquivel has been placed on the inactive list, eight days after he was yanked from the South Atlantic League's All-Star game following some sort of altercation that has yet to be explained.

Whatever happened occurred in Charleston, S.C., apparently at a league-sponsored event. Both Esquivel and fellow All-Star Chuck James, a pitcher, were not allowed to compete in the game because of the unexplained "team policy" violation. We're checking on James' status now. James, 8-2 with the Braves and the designated starter in the June 29 all-star game, had just been promoted to the organization's high A franchise in Myrtle Beach.

Here is the announcement as it was released by the Rome Braves Tuesday afternoon:

"Rome, GA- Outfielder Jamie Hemmingway joins the Rome Braves today from Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. While at Myrtle Beach, Hemmingway was hitting .228 with one home run and six RBI in limited playing time. Outfielder Matt Esquivel has been placed on the inactive list."

Asked about the Esquivel/James case, Rome Braves General Manager Mike Dunn said, "These players broke team policy. We will not comment any further on personnel issues."

News on James is even harder to find. A check of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans' Web site found this notation:

"Chuck was drafted by the Braves in 2002. Last season with the Danville Braves he was named Pitcher of the Year tossing to a 2-1 record and a team-low ERA of 1.25. He also led the Danville pitching staff and was second in the Appy League with 68 K's. To begin 2004, he was 8-2 with an ERA of 1.90 with the Rome Braves (A)."

UPDATES: We'll continue tracking the story throughout the week. We've cast a wider net among sources in the SAL and hope to hear from them soon.

SECOND OPINION/MATT ESQUIVEL: And this is exactly that--a fan's opinion. It's been a week since whatever happened in Charleston ended with the indefinite suspension of Matt Esquivel. The talented outfielder was yanked from last week's All-Star game because of his conduct and hasn't been seen in uniform since. He's still listed in the updated roster (see below). If the rumors are true, nothing criminal occurred (and that particular rumor needs to be put to rest). Let's just say his alleged conduct was nothing new for the '03 or '04 Braves.

Every team, every organization, needs discipline. A young player did something stupid and he's paid the price. Stress paid. Being forced to sit out the All-Star game was devastating and watching his teammates lose three of four games on the road hurt, too. Esquivel has learned his lesson and its doubtful he'll do it again. If he does, take a tough love stance--boot him from the team. But at least give him the chance to move forward.

You don't judge a championship team by its 3-6 start to the second half of the season; you shouldn't brand a player for one night's reckless conduct.--John Druckenmiller

RESPONSE FROM BILL PELFREY JR.: Another opinion on the above and as you said it is just that.

I agree with what you said about the punishment; it has paid for the crime. A precedent was set last year with Cappellan and he is now the toast of the Braves. My biggest concern is that the rumor mill is rampant at State Mutual Stadium.

People, including myself, have enough information to be dangerous and Matt's reputation is more valuable to me and all Romans to not add more to this than there is.

I am not saying that he is innocent because we know that is not the case or he would not be sitting out these games. However, the sooner the truth is told, the better everyone will feel and we hopefully can have Esquivel back as a Rome Brave.

FROM DAVID BEALL, LINDALE: My only wish is for the Braves to make whatever decision there is to be made instead of letting everyone wonder what is going to happen.

If he is going to be released, then do it. If he's suspended for the season, announce it. If it's a two-week, one- month, etc. suspension, say so, then we can move on and stop wondering.

I fully understand that the Braves are within their rights to keep the circumstances of the incident private. That's their call to make. But whatever the final roster consequences are, at least let everyone know about that decision.

AGREE OR DISAGREE? Send your comments to The Blog by clicking HERE. We'll post them but require you use your real name and include a telephone number so we can confirm your identity.

(7/5) dewayne's world, dewayne's world!

THE SKINNY: So that's Dewayne Wise. Nice guy. Comes into the park, slams two home runs, and has a nice time amid a sellout crowd and just before the night's scheduled fireworks. Can we keep him? Braves win, 4-2, over the SandGnats. (And let's not forget catcher Miguel Bernard's dinger, either, his eighth of the season).

WORDS FROM ERNIE: "Nine K's tonight. Thanks go out again to Erin for helping with hanging the Ks. Dewayne Wise was two for three, two home runs, and Chipper was 0 for 4 during his rehab stint with the Rome Braves. Sold out 5,105 plus one from Calhoun. Total attendance 5,106. See you on Tuesday and don't forget Thursday night is Strike Out Club night." --Ernie "The K Man" Studard

AROUND THE STADIUM: You've got to like the first night back after a road trip. Everyone reconnects, catches up on who's missing and why, etc. One person MIA is Jerry, one of the championship-caliber ushers at the park. We hope his time away is brief. Someone needs to keep an eye on those K Club people in 206... A mild dose of campaigning Monday as well with sheriff's candidate Tim Burkhalter in attendance and supporters of George Pullen and Herman Cain wearing their respective gear... Full props to Q102 and Chick-fil-A for an excellent fireworks show--and for Mother Nature delaying her own even as those dark clouds built.

You don't judge a championship team by its 3-6 start to the second half of the season; you shouldn't brand a player for one night's reckless conduct.

AIRBALL: 6 p.m. Tuesday vs. Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

NEXT UP: One on Wednesday and then the Comcast Sports Southeast-televised game on Thursday at 7. Then they're gone until July 17.

NOTE FOR THOSE WHO ADOPTED PLAYERS: Next dropoff date is Wednesday at Doug Hamil's office.

(7/4) fizzled firecracker

THE SKINNY: The Rome Braves dramatic comeback from Saturday night couldn't come back on Sunday. The Bats won it 11-8, and went on to win the regularly scheduled game, 4-0, dropping the Braves to 2-6.

SAL REALIGNMENT BREWING?

An interesting note in a column in Sunday's Greensboro News & Record hints at realignment of the South Atlantic League, perhaps by next season. Writes Bill Hass: "No matter which version of the schedule is adopted, the SAL will probably be split into four divisions of four teams each. The Bats are most likely to be grouped with Kannapolis, Capital City and Augusta." Click HERE for the entire column.

Randy Davis, in his pregame show Sunday night, alluded to Hass' column and pondered an all-Georgia division: Rome, Columbus, Augusta and Savannah. Or, said Davis, assuming Augusta goes with the Greensboro group, perhaps Asheville would hang with the Georgia gang.

WHAT'S NEXT

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Monday vs. Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

THE HOME STAND: Five with Savannah starting with a fireworks game Monday at 7 p.m. They play two on Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m., one on Wednesday and then the Comcast Sports Southeast-televised game on Thursday at 7. Then they're gone until July 17.

(7/3) crazy eights!

THE SKINNY: This one started out rough as the Bats put up four runs in the bottom of the first and barely looked back. The Braves put three on the board but so did Greensboro. Rome then showed some late signs of life, battling back for two more runs to make it close, 7-5. And then it got interesting. The Braves added three more runs in the top of the eighth while Greensboro added one run and three men on base with two outs when the wet stuff started to fall.

So, in the bottom of the eighth, the score is tied 8-8. They'll resume the game at 6 p.m. Sunday--almost same Bats time, same Bats channel.

AIRBALL: 6 p.m. Sunday from Greensboro as the suspended game resumes; the final game of the series will begin soon after. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

NEXT HOME STAND: Five with Savannah starting with a fireworks game Monday at 7 p.m. They play two on Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m., one on Wednesday and then the Comcast Sports Southeast-televised game on Thursday at 7. Then they're gone until July 17.

(7/2) latest on suspended players

Veteran AJC sports reporter Guy Curtright reports that Rome Braves players Chuck James and Matt Esquivel are on indefinite suspension following whatever happened in Charleston Monday evening prior to the South Atlantic League All-Star game.

Curtright, in a talk with Dayton Moore, the organization's director of player personnel and a familiar guest at State Mutual Stadium, quotes Moore as saying, "We are still getting all the facts but they won't be playing for a while. There are issues they have to work through."

Rome manager Rocket Wheeler tells Curtright: "The organization sets rules. They violated them and have to suffer the consequences."

(7/2) a winner!

THE SKINNY: They needed it and they got it. The Braves hang on to beat the Bats of Greensboro, 5-3. The series is now tied 1-1 with two to play before Rome comes home.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Saturday from Greensboro. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

ROSTER UPDATE: Kyle Bakker makes another return to the Rome Braves. Effective today, he rejoins the team after a cup of coffee with Danville of the Appalachian League. While in Rome, Bakker was 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in 18 appearances. Also joining the pitching ranks is Rolando Garza. He was signed by the Atlanta Braves as a free agent this year after spending last season in the Chicago White Sox organization at Kannapolis where he was 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 21 appearances. At least one of the moves was signaled by the departure of Chuck James to the high-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

NEXT HOME STAND: Five--count 'em, five--with Savannah starting with a fireworks game Monday night at 7 p.m. They play two on Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m., one on Wednesday and then the Comcast Sports Southeast-televised game on Thursday at 7.

(7/1) 1-4 in second half

THE SKINNY: Perhaps the start of the second half of the season wasn't such a good idea. Since the second half began June 22, the Braves had faced several rain outs (two games will be made up later), were embarrassed by the withdrawal of league All-Star pitcher Chuck James and leftfielder Matt Esquivel from Tuesday's game for violating team rules and now are looking at a 1-4 start and last place in the SAL Southern Division. There's a lot of baseball to play before the regular season ends Sept. 6 but this start sure doesn't have a good feel to it. Also: Esquivel was not in the lineup Thursday night; no explanation was given. Thursday's final score: Greensboro 11, Rome 5.

WHAT'S NEXT: Three more in Greensboro and then a four-game home stand with Savannah starting with a fireworks game Monday night at 7 p.m. (Only 13 home games this month with nine of them starting after July 16).

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday from Greensboro. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/27) all-star coverage: cable, radio, net

THE SKINNY: You'll be able to see and hear coverage of Tuesday night's South Atlantic League All-Star game on Comcast Sports Southeast beginning at 7:30 p.m. and also (tentatively) on WLAQ 1410 AM and Oldies 95.7 FM. Internet coverage begins at 7:15 p.m., click HERE to access the station.

The Braves have four players in the mix: pitchers Chuck James and Jacob Stevens will play as will catcher Miguel Bernard and leftfielder Matt Esquivel. Manager Rocket Wheeler will help coach the Southern Division all-stars as well (and why isn't the manager of the league championship team managing the team?) Of course, James heads to Myrtle Beach after the game.

In fact, you can lock it into CSS starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday for the Rome Braves Clubhouse Show. (You need to have Comcast cable; some of us satellite folks are out of the loop). For more on CSS's coverage, please click HERE.

And if you know of any "watching parties," send us the details by clicking HERE.

(6/26) sunday mourning

THE SKINNY: It's like our home page teaser said: a triple play of the worst kind for the Rome Braves on Sunday.

First, All-Star pitcher Chuck James (the pride of Mableton and those of us who lived in that Cobb County community for three years can say that) was promoted to the Braves' high-A cousin, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. He'll join many of the '03 Braves there after he pitches in Tuesday's South Atlantic League All-Star game.

Second, with the Cap City Bombers ahead by 1, the first of two games reset for Sunday is called because of rain. The final score: Bombers 1, Braves 0 (and what a waste of a game for the departing Chuck James; he was rolling again).

Third, with the first game--already set for seven innings--called at the top of the sixth because of rain, it was pretty obvious game two was down the drain. It will be made up at a later date. That's two rainouts for the Braves this week (one in Savannah and one here at home).

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Thursday at Greensboro. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/26) wipe out

THE SKINNY: It wasn't pretty. Perhaps 500 people were standing in line amid a downpour and lightning at 5:40 p.m., waiting to get into State Mutual Stadium and collect one of only 1,000 Rocket Wheeler Bobble Head dolls, and then watch some baseball. As the lightning crackled, a murmur started with occasional shouts, "Let us in!" Who knows what proper protocol was: to let crazies (myself among them) stand outside to save their places for one of the promos or to open the gates early. The gates did open a few ticks before 6 and the damp crowd got their bobble heads. And within 30 minutes came word of the rainout. The field was just too soaked; they'll play two on Sunday beginning at 1.

WET & WILD: That's three games postponed by rain this week (two in Savannah, one here). One of the road games was made up on Thursday--and promptly ended after five innings because of more rain. And then there was the storm Friday night in Rome that delayed first pitch nearly 90 minutes.

ABOUT THAT BOBBLE HEAD: It wasn't worth risking one's life for but the Rocket bobble head is great. It comes complete with Rocket wearing his custom shades, his distinct nose and mouth, his no. 18 jersey and, as he so often does in "real" life, his hands tucked into his back pockets. Definitely a keeper.

ON THE PLUS SIDE: It was a great Saturday night for Fuddrucker's. Hungry fans didn't go far to get hamburgers or hot dogs. Most of the Strike Out Club was there as were dozens of other regulars. The place was rockin'.

THE SMALL PRINT: Click HERE to see how other SAL games went Saturday night.

AIRBALL: 1 p.m. Sunday with Cap City (double header). Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

UP NEXT: No games until Thursday at Greensboro (All-Star break). Next home game: 7 p.m. July 5 vs. Savannah (fireworks follow the game)

BRAVES FIRST HALF REPORT: Check our special look at the Braves' first half by clicking HERE.

(6/25) pitcher perfect

THE SKINNY: Jake Stevens (6-1) had nine strikeouts as the Rome Braves got into in the Dubya column for the first time in the second half of the season. Final score: Braves 4, Cap City Bombers 1. Delayed by rain some 90 minutes, once under way, this one was as good as it was supposed to be: Two talented pitchers going at each other. The best pitcher won, with a little help from Carlos Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzman's home run.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: The game may have started late but the fans' spirit was not dampened by the rain. The K Club had one double play and we hung 13 Ks. This was one more than what Randy and Al were reporting. I had Jake down for 10 strikeouts tonight. We gave out several Ks tonight to new K club members. Adriana had made her own K sign so we gave her an official one. We also gave one to Lily (no relation to the K man); also there, Courtney and Amanda. I love it when the kids get so involved, the little ones and the big ones. Thanks to everyone--The K Man (Ernie Studard)

AROUND THE STADIUM:A good night even with a rain delay. Lots of good chatter among the faithful as they waited for the tarp to be removed and field repaired. You'd have thought the Braves had been gone two weeks, not just one rain-plagued series... The wet conditions and blanked view screen canceled most of the promos for the night except for the Pizza Scream and an very ample supply of T-shirts (BC, thanks!)

ONE ROCKET TO GO, PLEASE: He guided the Rome Braves to a league championship in their first season. He's increased the stock value of bubblegum companies nationwide. And now you can take him home with you. That's right, your own portable Rocket Wheeler--in the form of a bobble head, that is. This Saturday night's Bobble Head giveaway at State Mutual Stadium features a replica of the Braves' popular skipper. The first 1,000 fans with paid admission get the replica. Gates open at 6 p.m. Lines begin... after Friday night's game?

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Saturday with Cap City. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

BRAVES FIRST HALF REPORT: Check our special look at the Braves' first half by clicking HERE.

PITCHERS SHUFFLED: Rome Braves pitchers Kyle Bakker and Brad Nelson are being sent to the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League while 2003 Brave Mike Mueller is heading back to Rome from Myrtle Beach. Bakker, a left-hander, was 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA while Nelson, a right-hander, was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA, the Braves report. Mueller, a right-hander, joins the team Saturday. This year with the Pelicans, he's 0-2 with a 7.28 ERA.

THE SKINNY: Back-to-back rainouts and a scheduled day off gave the Rome Braves an unexpected three-day rest. Maybe that should read rust. Rome lost the first half of the double header with the SandGnats, 6-3. Game two was shorted from seven to just five innings, again by rain. No matter, Rome lost again. So, on the new season, Rome is 0 and 2, and heading for home.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday with Cap City. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

BRAVES FIRST HALF REPORT: Check our special look at the Braves' first half by clicking HERE.

(6/23) soggy start to second 'season'

THE SKINNY: Yup, another rainout. That's two in a row. Since the Braves and SandGnats already play two on Thursday in Savannah (making up Tuesday's game), they'll transfer Wednesday's game to later in the half season. That should be good news for Rome Braves' fans because the clubs only play one more series this year: July 5-8 at State Mutual Stadium.

THE SMALL PRINT: Click HERE for more. (Check out the results from the games that did get in)

AIRBALL: 5 p.m. Thursday doubleheader from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

BACK AT HOME: A three-game set with the Cap City Bombers begins at 7 p.m. Friday and ends following the 2 p.m. game Sunday. Then its a three-day All-Star break and the Braves travel until July 5.

PROMO WATCH: Get to Saturday's game early: That's bobblehead giveaway night to the first 1,000 paid fans, courtesy of Floyd Medical Center and South 107.

BRAVES FIRST HALF REPORT: Check our special look at the Braves' first half by clicking HERE.

(6/22) delay of game

THE SKINNY: The Rome Braves' second season didn't start Tuesday night after all. The game at Savannah was postponed by rain and will be made up as part of a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. Thursday, according to the SandGnats' Web site.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Wednesday from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/20) what time was it?. . .

THE SKINNY: Props to Mableton's own Chuck James for setting a club record with 13 strikeouts on Sunday. He had a Greg Maddux-like day, taking a no hitter into the middle of the fifth and striking out 13 RiverDog batters. Want more Maddux proof? This game was over in two hours, 12 minutes (Maddux isn't known for helping sell concessions at the ball park because of his fast games). James was not in a zone; he was zoned. The Braves win, 3-1, thanks to a nice save by Kyle Bakker. The team wraps up the first half with an impressive 40-30 record, has Monday off and takes on the SandGnats on Tuesday to start the second half--and another shot at post season.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: We had a record-setting day at the ball park and the whole K Club was kept busy hanging the 13 Ks of Chuck James. We were joined by two young new members of the K Club today. Thanks go to Jacob and Adam for helping. What happened to Rocky, the bus driver for the RiverDogs? We invited him for lunch, saw him at the game but we didn't hear much from him today. Then he left without telling us bye. Looks like we have four days to catch up on some yard work. See you at the ball park on Friday.--Ernie Studard, The K Man

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Tuesday from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS: The first half is over. What were the highpoints, the low points? The plays and players that made the first 70 so sweet? Send us your thoughts by clicking HERE.

(6/19) dogs tossed a rubber biscuit

THE SKINNY: OK, we're being cute in the headline. We loved the Blues Brothers Act and decided to blend the title of one of the Belushi/Aykroyd hits into the headline. The Braves won, 9-7, and it got a little sweaty in the top of the ninth as the Charleston RiverDogs put four on the board. It was still a little tight until Jose Ascanio threw three Smoltz-like straight dead-on strikes. Wow. And the win knocked the 'Dogs out of the SAL Southern Division race (Cap City claims the first half title).

AIRBALL: 2 p.m. Sunday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

AROUND THE PARK: It really was a great night. The Braves were rockin', the Blues Brothers Act was rollin.' Both Ernie "K Man" Studard and relief K'er Bill Fricks snagged freebie peanuts from Elwood. And Jake held up the "What Time Is It?" sign. Good act, good reaction. Bring 'em back (and thanks to sponsor K98.)

WORS FROM ERNIE: "What a fun time at the ball park tonight! The K Club only had five strike outs and the Rome Braves were winning 9 to 3 in the top of the 9th inning. That's when Rocky, the bus driver of the RiverDogs, stoled the K Man's signs. The RiverDogs ended up scoring four more runs before Ernie could take his signs away from the big guy. The RiverDogs are saving money. They have a bus driver and a mascot all in one guy. That idea came from Leigha's mother who sat in Section 104 tonight. Leigha and her family are from Cartersville and are new members of the K Club. Unofficial tailgate party on Sunday afternoon before the ball game. Bring your chairs, something to eat and something to keep you cool. Thanks to Leigha.--Happy Father's Day from The K Man

(6/18) runnin' on empty

THE SKINNY: Where's the K Man? He was flying solo for a few innings, granddaughter in his lap, and he was still posting Ks. In all, the Braves had 12 strike outs, nine by starter Stephen Russell. But Russell also got hit hard in the fifth and his teammates put up exactly zero runs. Nine zeros across the bottom of the scoreboard never looked uglier. Final score: 3-0 Riverdogs.

AROUND THE STADIUM: The regulars are pretty much back from whatever breaks they've been on. In all, more than 4,000 sweated this one out, many until the end.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Saturday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

BIG BASEBALL DAY OFF THE FIELD: Don't forget about Barnes & Nobles big pitch on Saturday (today). Romey and some of the Braves read to kids at 11 a.m. (free) and there's baseball trivia with The Voice, Randy Davis, at 12:30 p.m. Author Tim Darnell signs his new book on early Atlanta baseball starting at 2 p.m. (good Fathers Day present). And see the TAIL GATORS item below.

PROMO WATCH: Blues Brothers Act. K98 presents one of the premiere promos of the year (I'd write that even if I wasn't working a bit for them). It was rated one of the best nights of the season last year.

TAIL GATORS: The Rome Braves Fan Club gathers at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Red Lot to party prior to the game. Membership applications will be on hand. (And this site indeed spells it G-A-T-0-R-S. Just as The DA.)

THE SKINNY: The scenario is a perplexing one: you've got nothing to gain by winning except winning. All our eggs are now in the second "half" of the season. So what do the Braves do on the heels of three straight home loses? Win, and win nicely and efficiently and without any extra curricular activities. Rome avoids the home sweep, picks up a good "reload" win and takes aim at the incoming RiverDogs. If you didn't feel good about the second half before Thursday night's game, you should now. The finale: 5-2 Braves over the 'Fish.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: "What Time Is It? It was a peaceful time at the ball park tonight except the K Club was keeping busy hanging 11 Ks. Just wanted to thank two new members of the K Club who came in from Canton to see the Rome Braves (Staci and Karen). Hope you enjoyed the game and all the fans in the K Club. There was a large turn out to hear The Beatless tonight. The band sounded great. Don't forget the Rome Braves Fan Club will be in the red lot on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. before the game for a tailgate party. There also are a number of us getting together on Sunday around noon. Hope to see everyone there."-- Ernie "The K Man" Studard

UP NEXT: Today-Sunday: Charleston. And remember Saturday night's promo courtesy of K98: "We're on a mission from..." the Blues Brothers Act. Sun glasses required.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

FAN CLUB: Remember, today is goodie bag dropoff at Doug Hamil's office, 215 Broad St., Suite 204. Dropoff service is available from noon to 1 p.m. in the alley.

(6/16) the k-o club

THE SKINNY: There are those who find a team brawl distasteful, perhaps unprofessional and certainly nothing a child should see. Sorry, folks, but the brawl that broke out in the bottom of the ninth was perhaps the most unifying event this edition of the Rome Braves has had.

Yes, it was ugly. Yes, it was unnecessary (to a degree). But yes, it was called for. The plunk on Guzman and the lip from the Catfish catcher were unnecessary, too.

Consider the situation: The Braves were down 15-8, en route to their third straight home loss and a quick exit from this first shot at post-season consideration this year. It was a humid 95 degrees on the field. Perhaps only 20 percent of the nearly 4,000 fans on hand for the first pitch were left (the kids groups were long gone).

Who was right and who was wrong? I'll put my money on the Braves. In more than 200 games as a club, have you ever seen them come unglued? Sure, this is a different set of players but the same management team. Rocket & Co. play professional, if passionate, baseball.

People got ejected. The game's inevitable conclusion was delayed. The remaining kids in the stands who witnessed it, my 4 1/2-year-old son included, got a lesson in team sports--and are none the worse for it.

If anything, the brawl reloaded the Braves both emotionally and physically for the second half. They're more of a team now than they were 24 hours ago. Think about it: down 15-8 and minutes after a benches-clearing brawl, this team put up ANOTHER two runs.

I'll put my money on the Braves in the second half and in any team brawl. And be assured the two Braves I want in my side in such an event are Kent Willis and Matt Esquivel. You would do well not to mess with their colleagues. They're tough and they stand with their team.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: You can't say it any better than the way John put it. I want Kent Willis on my side any time. Not only is he the newest member of the K Club, but according to John, we now have the K.O. Club. How many strike outs? Who knows! We will do better Thursday and maybe the score board and the sound system will be working. -- Ernie "The K Man" Studard

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Thursday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/15) braves need a miracle

THE SKINNY: With five games to go, the Braves are three games out of first in the SAL Southern Division and need a miracle to finish on top by Sunday, the end of the first half season. They lost 9-0 to the Columbus Catfish who, like the Braves, are three spots out of first and anxious to get there, too. Cap City remains in first with a league high 40-25 record; Charleston is 1 1/2 games back (and heading to Rome starting Friday). One more loss and it is over--for the first half. Remember Rome won their post-season trip with a great late-season rally last year.

AIRBALL: 1 p.m. Wednesday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

WORDS FROM ERNIE: The K Man has been busy this week but tonight we had 10 Ks. Unfortunately, the Rome Braves never got a player past second base and we lost 9 to 0. We hope to see you at the game on Wednesday. Ernie Studard, a.'K'.a., The K man.

FAN CLUB NEWS: The Rome Braves Fan Club had a great meeting Thursday night. In excess of 50 people attended as membership overall topped the 100 mark (welcome, Holly Dean!) Highlights included setting a date for the fan club's next tailgate party, 5:30 p.m. June 19 in the red lot (note: this is the night the Blues Brothers Act will be at the stadium, too)... The group voted to begin donating excess tickets to local charitable groups for kids... Heard plans of two fan club road trips, one to Myrtle Beach and other to Asheville (more details to come on both)... Heard plans for Baseball Day at Barnes & Noble on June 19 (Romey, players read to children at 11 a.m.; baseball trivia at 12:30 p.m.; baseball book signing at 2 p.m.)... To join, just e-mail by clicking HERE and we'll get your name and contact information to club President Steve Miller.

(6/14) slammed!

THE SKINNY: Bases loaded. A swing of the bat. The game decided. Basically, that's what Savannah did Monday night to beat the Rome Braves, 6-3. The loss was an expensive one: it leaves Rome two games back with six to go in the SAL's first half-season. Whomever is on top of the Northern and Southern divisions late Sunday automatically earn a trip to September's post-season playoffs. The other 14 teams will try to get in in the season's second half.

AROUND THE STADIUM: The day's storms helped delay the start of the game by 20 or so minutes. Still, the Diebards turned out, packing umbrellas, towels and othe rain gear. The wet stuff held off until the top of the seventh. And even then, the best of the best stayed to the bitter end.

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Tuesday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/13) a 'bolt' toward first

THE SKINNY: At 11 this morning, this game looked like a rain out. A downpour. A lightning strike that wiped out the public address system and much of the scoring system on the big screen. So off and on the field, the Rome Braves pulled one out, winning 3-1 over the Sand Gnatsand now sitting just a game behind fir st-place...Cap City.

It wasn't nearly as exciting as Saturday night's swelter session but you've got to give the save not only to relief pitcher Steve Russell but also to the off-the-field crews. From the beleaguered grounds crew to the rest of the staff, they had to work to get this one in.

The game started about 30 minutes late; at one time, the forecast was a 3:30 or later start. Reason: The monsoon earlier in the day.

And give credit to whomever whipped up the speaker system within the press box. It was crude, seeing a big speaker hanging out of a window, but Eddie Brock Jr. sounded just as good as ever. Even better, actually, since The Voice had to give the line score at each half inning. The reason: the half-here scoreboard. Because of the lightning strike, you didn't see the normal runs, hits and errors for each inning. Brock, and an improved "TV" image if you will, made up the difference.

As for on-the-field: The win puts the Braves a game out of first place with seven to play in the first half-season of the year. The next seven games:

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Monday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/12) right from the start

THE SKINNY: Nothing like coming home to a near-sellout crowd and putting up 8 runs as the Braves begin their chase for the first-half division crowd. The final score: Rome 8, Savannah Sand Gnats 3. What's key: Rome moves within 1.5 games of Charleston with eight games to do in the season's first half. A Southern Division first-half title puts the Braves back in the post-season championship series. Even better: the final eight are all at home.

Team	Wins	Losses	Gap/Games to play
Charleston	37	24	-- Columbus (2) Savannah (3) Rome (3)
Cap City	37	25	1/2 Augusta (2) Greensboro (3) Augusta (3)
Rome	36	26	1 1/2 Savannah (2) Columbus (3) Charleston (3)
Columbus	35	27	2 1/2 Charleston (2) Rome (3) Savannah (3)

AIRBALL: 2 p.m. Sunday. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

AROUND THE BALL PARK: FEELING FROGGY: Fans listening to the game heard a different Randy Davis. The Voice basically has lost his voice. He attributes it to the double header in Columbus last week. Colorman Al Thomas stepped in a bit more than normal to spell The Voice. Here's hoping all is well by Sunday's 1:45 p.m. pregame sign-in... CHANGE UP: The between inning promos got shuffled during the road trip. Some of the items that came late in the game are now up front and vice versa... SPECIAL K: There were 10 strikeouts tonight by the Braves as the Strikeout Club posted. They also spread some Ks into Section 206 and 208, perhaps tuning up for the July 8 game to be televised by CSS. Expect at least 200 Ks at that game. In the stands, that is...

PROMO WATCH: Team cards and player signatures courtesy of News Publishing Co. Come early to get both.

(6/11) brawl for it all

THE SKINNY: You couldn't script a better ending to the first half (and how many times have we heard/used those first six words with the Braves?) The team is home for nine straight starting Saturday. After a 2-2 split in Columbus (Rome won Friday night, 6-5, over the Catfish), the Braves probably need to take eight of the next nine to bump Charleston out of first place. The last three games, of course, are with the RiverDogs. It comes down to this: win and clinch a post-season slot. Lose and try to win the second-half title (or even a wild card).

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Saturday at SMS. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

PROMO WATCH: Tonight/Mini coolers to first 1,000 paid attendees courtesy of Cowboy's and Q102.

(6/11) the all-star squad

The South Atlantic League has announced the players and managers for the June 29 SAL All-Star game in Charleston, S.C. Four Rome players and manager Rocket Wheeler will be making the trip to Charleston. The players include:

Wheeler will serve as a coach. The Southern Division will be managed by Steve Livesey of the host team, the RiverDogs.

Says Braves General Manager Mike Dunn: "It is a testament to our player development process to continue to provide players of all-star caliber. Rome will be well represented."

THE OVERVIEW

Charleston, S.C., placed the most players on either squad with seven representing the Southern Division Team including Brian Bulger, Chad Orvella, Scott Vandermeer, Colt Simmons, Elliot Johnson, Wes Bankston and Delmon Young.

Capital City placed five players on the team including Yusmeiro Petit, Greg Ramirez, Ian Bladergroen, Wilson Batista and Ryan Harvey.

The Southern Division team consists of 25 players with a representative from each South Atlantic League Southern Division team.

The Northern Division club will be led by Ken Joyce, manager of the Charleston, W.Va., Alley Cats. Dave Clark, manager for the Hickory Crawdads, will serve as a coach.

Charleston, W.Va., placed the most players on the Northern Division All-Star Roster with six players including Shaun Marcum, Thomas Mastny, Justin James, Brian Reed, Robinson Diaz and Ryan Roberts.

The Hickory Crawdads, who were in the Southern Division last season, placed five players including Thomas Gorzelanny, Mike McCuistion, Jon Benick, Javier Guzman and Adam Boeve.

The Lake County Captains placed four members on the club followed by the Delmarva Shorebirds and Lexington Legends with three representatives each. The Northern Division team consists of 25 players total with a representative from each League Northern Division team.

(6/10) double trouble

THE SKINNY: The evening looked like a lock with sure-handed Chuck James pitching. Undefeated so far--but not for long. The Catfish pitcher was even hotter and had a no-hitter going for much of the game. Final score: Catfish 3, Rome 1. In the night cap, it got worse. Final score: 'Fish 5, Rome Zero.

June 11: One more in Columbus including a double header on Thursday (makeup game from earlier in the year).

AIRBALL: 7 p.m. Friday from Columbus. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

THE SKINNY: That's how close the Rome Braves are from first place today thanks to Wednesday night's slugfest win in Columbus. The Braves beat the Catfish, 10-8, and now find themselves a game behind Southern Division-leading Charleston and a half-game back from red-hot Cap City. With a dozen games to go before a first-half champ is crowned, and post-season slot secured, the Braves look good. Even better: nine of those 12 games are at State Mutual Stadium as Rome begins the longest home stand of the year. Nice timing.

June 10-11: Three more in Columbus including a double header on Thursday (makeup game from earlier in the year).

AIRBALL: A double dip beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday from Columbus. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

FAN CLUB MEETS THURSDAY: The Rome Braves Fan Club meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Power auditorium off Holmes Street.

THE SKINNY: If you read the line score on www.romebraves.com, you'll shake your head: 16 hits, 8 runs and seven of those runs coming in two big innings. The Braves needed to take two of three and did. Final score: Braves 8, G8 Summit Sandgnats 4.

WHAT'S NEXT: Now the Braves move to a three-game clash with the Columbus Catfish. How critical are these games? At one point, Columbus was tied for the SAL Southern Division lead. They're now a game back from the Braves and four out of first place with 13 games to go in the first half. The Braves need, at minimum, a 9-3 run to stay in the hunt. They close out the first half of the season with three games at home with division-leading Charleston (6/18-20).

AIRBALL: Next game: 7 p.m. Wednesday from Columbus. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE And on Thursday: A double-header starting at 6 p.m.

ROSTER MOVES: WHITE UP, NELSON BACK: Here's the release, straight from the Rome Braves: "Right-handed pitcher Sean White has been sent to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League the Rome Braves announced today. White was 3-3 in 13 appearances while in Rome with a 6.44 ERA. Brad Nelson has been recalled from Danville of the Appalachian League. Prior to his move to Danville, Nelson was 0-2 in 15 appearances with Rome."

(6/7) blame it on g8 jitters

THE SKINNY: More than security is tight in Savannah these days as the G-8 summit begins. So, too, was the pitching by the host SandGnats as they beat the Rome Braves, 2-0, to even the three-game series. The finale is Tuesday night and then on to Columbus before beginning a nine-day homestand with the 'Gnats, Catfish and RiverDogs.

AIRBALL: Next game: 7 p.m. Tuesday from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/6) extra effort

THE SKINNY: It took 10 innings but the Rome Braves finally beat the Savannah SandGnats Sunday evening by a 6-5 score. The 'Gnats had rallied in the ninth to tie it up before the Braves converted in the 10th.

AIRBALL: Next game: 7 p.m. Monday from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/5) mission: accomplished

THE SKINNY: The Rome Braves had to win at least two of the three-game series vs. the first place Charleston RiverDogs. Consider it a mission accomplished after a 4-3 win Saturday night. Fifteen games remain in the SAL's first half season and the Braves are two games out of first place. Should the Braves win the SAL Southern Division in the first half, they get a ticket to the post-season in September. Next up: Savannah.

AIRBALL: Next game: 5 p.m. Sunday from Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

(6/4) 'Dogged by errors

THE SKINNY: After an 11-0 win on Thursday, the Rome Braves did a flip and lost 6-0 Friday thanks, in part, to four errors. And the Braves had nothing to show despite eight hits. It was a costly loss: it drops them to three back in the first-half SAL Southern race with just over two weeks to go.

AIRBALL: Next game: 7 p.m. Saturday at Charleston. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE. Sunday's game: At Savannah, beginning at 5:05 p.m.

(6/3) t-minus two to tie

THE SKINNY: After a 1-2 home stand, the Rome Braves hit the Charleston RiverDogs hard Thursday night, taking a key win by 11-0. Before the game, The 'Dogs had a three-game lead over the Braves in the SAL Southern Division. Thursday's win cut that down to two games with two games to go in this series. With 17 games left in the season's first half, Rome plays Charleston five more times, including the last series of the half (June 18-20 at State Mutual Stadium). The Southern first-half champ automatically qualifies for post-season action in September.

AIRBALL: Next game: 6 p.m. Friday at Charleston. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

K MAN A COVER BOY? Rome Braves fans know how shy Ernie "K Man" Studard (no, not Studdard) is. So he's probably not telling you that his picture is big and rude in today's edition of the Rome News-Tribune. (We'd link you to it but the photo didn't make the Web site.) The photo shows Ernie in action, holding a big yellow K. In the background is Braves announcer Kevin Daniels, a friend of the Strike Out Club.

GET READY FOR KTV: You want your MTV? Try KTV as in the Strike Out Club's plan to flood sections 206 and 208 with Ks on July 8 when Comcast Sports Southeast broadcasts live from State Mutual Stadium. The Braves will be playing the SandGnats. Writes Ernie "K Man" Studard: "The K Club will making about 300 yellow and black Ks for the game that night. We will be passing them out to section 206 and 208. We want to have a big turn out and we want everyone to be ready to shout out K Time (when asked, of course, 'What time is it?')" The Braves will be on TV four times this year; only one game will be a home game, however. The other games: Rome at Charleston, S.C., on July 15; Rome at Lexington on Aug. 12 and Rome at Augusta on Aug. 26.

ROSTER MOVES: From the Braves: "The Rome Braves have announced that right-handed pitcher Ricardo Rodriguez has been activated effective today. Rodriguez was placed on the disabled list on April 17 th with a 1-1 record with an ERA of 3.86 in three appearances. Pitcher Brad Nelson has been sent to Danville of the Appalachian League. Nelson was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in 15 appearances."

(6/2) seventh-inning stretch

THE SKINNY: To paraphrase that classic seventh-inning stretch melody, the SandGnats took the Braves OUT of the ball game with a stunning five-run seventh, beating Rome 10-6 and taking the 24-hour series, two games to one. Wasted was a career afternoon for several Braves, including Matt Esquivel who hit two dingers and Martin "Five-Oh!" Prado who went five for five, extending his streak. Also, Josh Burrus kept his consecutive-game streaks alive. But they were one-upped by Savannah's Jason Whitesell who hit three home runs (that might be a State Mutual Stadium record for one player in one game; we're checking).

AROUND THE STADIUM: For a day game, a good number of the regulars were there, including most of the founding members of The Strikeout Club. It also was YMCA Day, which meant an added T-shirt toss by the local Y during the playing of... you guessed it... Good news for KidsZone fans: the pitching booth is back and in one piece...

WHAT'S NEXT: Withdrawal for the Rome Braves' faithful is what's next as the team begins a nine-game, nine-day road trip. First up: Charleston (S.C.), the team now in charge of the SAL Southern Division. The Braves need to take at least two from the RiverDogs in this three-game series. After that: Three more with Savannah followed by a triple set with Columbus.

AIRBALL: Next game: 7 p.m. Thursday at Charleston. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, June 12, vs. Savannah. 7 p.m. Promo watch: That's mini-cooler night (first 1,000 paid admission).

(6/1) split decision

THE SKINNY: The 24 Hours of the Braves got off to a rough start, despite a final score of 9-6 in Rome's favor. The Savannah SandGnats hit a late grand slam and threatened to do so again in the top of the seventh before finally being shown the way to the showers.

Game 2 of the double-header wasn't even close. The Gnats quickly put five runs on the board and never looked back. The final score after seven full innings: Savannah 9, Rome 1.

The teams play a third game in under 24 hours, beginning at 1 p.m. at State Mutual Stadium, before hitting the road.

AIRBALL: Next game: 1 p.m. Wednesday vs. Savannah. Listen to WLAQ 1410 AM or Oldies 95.7 or on the Web by clicking HERE.

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH GET... PLAYERS

World HiFi Home Store and WLAQ 1410 AM are picking players of the month with each winner getting a MP3 player. At the end of the season, the player of the year gets a portable DVD player from World HiFi.

The April Player of the Month is sizzling hot pitcher Chuck James of nearby Mableton (Cobb County), says Bill Pelfrey Jr. of World HiFi.

May's Player of the Month is outfielder Josh Burrus, who's from the Marietta area and who is hitting .313 (through May 30).

WORDS FROM ERNIE: First things first from the K Man. In the first game, we had no double plays but we had eight strike outs. We left early in the second game but at the top of the sixth, we had five strike outs and one double play--but we were losing 9 to 0.

The K Man had a lot of competition tonight. There was a group behind home plate that was almost as loud as Section 206 and 208. However, the group that stole the show was from Camp WinShape. Two of the counselors came to find out why we were hanging the Ks. They took the old "What Time Is It?" sign and with a little coaching from the K Man, they started their own cheers.

K Time was heard all over the ball park tonight.

I also want to thank TJ from TJ's Office Supply in Calhoun for making the Strike Out Club's new signs. The old signs were beginning to get a little worn after the recent rains.

See you at the ball park on Wednesday.

--Ernie Studard, The K Man

the rome braves blog

Written by, for, about Rome fans

(7/25) a good place to start (second)

(7/24) russell'n up a win

(7/23) blown out! braves lose, 12-3

(7/22) blowout! braves 'win,' 18-1

(7/21) spirit of 7-to-6

(7/20) streaking no more

(7/19) swept away!

(7/18) zero-point-five-zero-zero!

blog vacation edition (almost)

(7/9) 0.21 out of last place

MATT ESQUIVEL PLACED ON INACTIVE LIST

(7/5) dewayne's world, dewayne's world!

(7/4) fizzled firecracker

SAL REALIGNMENT BREWING?

WHAT'S NEXT

(7/3) crazy eights!

(7/2) latest on suspended players

(7/2) a winner!

(7/1) 1-4 in second half

(6/27) all-star coverage: cable, radio, net

(6/26) sunday mourning

(6/26) wipe out

(6/25) pitcher perfect

(6/23) soggy start to second 'season'

(6/22) delay of game

(6/20) what time was it?. . .

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

(6/19) dogs tossed a rubber biscuit

(6/18) runnin' on empty

(6/16) the k-o club

(6/15) braves need a miracle

(6/14) slammed!

(6/13) a 'bolt' toward first

(6/12) right from the start

(6/11) brawl for it all

(6/11) the all-star squad

THE OVERVIEW

(6/10) double trouble

(6/7) blame it on g8 jitters

(6/6) extra effort

(6/5) mission: accomplished

(6/4) 'Dogged by errors

(6/3) t-minus two to tie

(6/2) seventh-inning stretch

(6/1) split decision

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH GET... PLAYERS