Pitching , Timely Offense and Defense Helps the Braves take Two of Three from the Reds

While the Braves offense continues to be inconsistent, there are constants that keeps them in games; including their pitching staff and defense. At this point in the season, one can make the argument that they have the best pitching staff in baseball. After exciting games on Friday and Saturday night, the decisive game three was highly anticipated. The Sunday Night Baseball crew was in Atlanta as the game was broadcast nationally over ESPN.

The Baseball Tonight set was at Turner Field Sunday.

The Braves sent their best pitcher this year to the mound, Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens came into the game with the league's lowest ERA, that number would only improve by nights end. Jurrjens was opposed by an impressive young pitcher for the Reds Johnny Cueto. As first pitch approached, the stadium had a playoff atmosphere to it.

Jurrjens and David Ross walk from the bullpen to the dugout

before Sunday Night's game against the Reds

The Reds jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with a Jay Bruce homerun in the second inning. Both pitchers settled into a groove and the pitchers duel continued on to the sixth inning. After a Jordan Schafer leadoff walk Martin Prado stepped up to the plate. I cannot think of another player for the Braves who has come up with more key situational hits to win games in 2011. Prado did it again as he blasted a two-run homerun off Cueto to give the Braves a two run lead after six innings.

Two of the past three game I have been to

Martin Prado has hit a game winning homerun.

After putting his team ahead in the bottom of the sixth inning, Prado saved the game in the top of the eighth. With two outs and the tying run at second Brandon Phillips hit a single to Prado in left field. Prado fielded the ball cleanly and threw a one hop frozen rope to home plate. Paul Janish, who had picked off at first by David Ross earlier in the game, attempted to slide under Ross's tag but was called out. The stadium was in an uproar and the Braves were only three outs from taking the series from the Reds.

Martin Prado is greeted in the dugout by his teammates

after his game saving play in the eighth inning.

After walking the first batter in the bottom of the ninth, Craig Kimbrell struck out two out of the next three batters to preserve the win for the Braves.

At only 21, Kimbrell has established himself

as the Braves closer for the future.

An impressive team performance was delivered Sunday night. Eight excellent innings by the League's best pitcher, and a timely homerun and amazing defensive play from Martin Prado. li.

We could be talking about a Cy Young in a few months for Jair; the numbers do not lie.

Cinco De Mayo: The only relevant 5 is Braves winning streak

As I finished up my last class as an Undergraduate yesterday a sense of feeling of relief and accomplishment shuddered my shoulders. Exhaustion was setting as was the fact that it was May 5, 2011, Cinco De Mayo. The Auburn community was finishing up with school and ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in downtown Auburn.

I decided that I would celebrate my completion of my Undergraduate degree at Auburn University at Turner Field watching the Atlanta Braves. A chance to celebrate May 5th by watching


A evening at Turner Field is the only way I wanted to spend my last day as an Undergraduate at Auburn University.


A great game all around. There was great pitching by the Brewers and Braves respectively. The most timely hit came by Braves Martin Prado. With the game tied in the Bottom of the 8th at 1-1 Martin took he game into his hands. Leading off, he worked the count to 3-1 and took a fastball and deposited it 20 rows deep into the left field seats.


Martin Prado rounds the bases after his eighth inning go ahead home run. (photo courtesy of timesfreepress.com)


Kraig Kimbrell worked a perfect one, two three ninth striking out the first two batters and inducing a groundout to end the game.

Sure I finished my Undergraduate Tenure at Auburn University which is a personal accomplishment; but the Braves have one five straight, now that is what I call an accomplishment.

The Day Sports Stood Still 4.27.11

On the night of March 27, 2011 tornadoes ripped across the southeast. The damage was catastrophic. The place that was damaged the worst was Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I realized how bad the storms were and felt called to drive from Auburn, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to get a better idea of how bad the damage was. Check out some of my first hand pictures from a day the State of Alabama will never forget.

4.28. The Day After

Why I chose Jackson Hole, Wyoming

“The human element is the ultimate draw, the history contained is priceless…” Dave Reddick , Powder

If I ever have the oppurtunity to live out West in a ski town I would live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There a lot of things I could say to describe my motives and desires behind moving living out west. Just to name a few: the people, the culture, the fresh powder, the cool air, the desire to ski. To get a better understanding of why I have chosen Jackson Hole, Wyoming watch the trailer for the movie "Swift. Silent. Deep."

Happy Saint Powders day from Snowbird, Utah

Saint Patrick’s day is often noted as days to kick back relax and enjoy local festivities. For the people of Alta and Snowbird, Utah Saint Patrick’s day means skiing especially when a big storm comes into the canyon.

A storm moves into the Canyon the night before Saint

Patrick's Day, bringing nine inches of fresh snow

Saint Patrick’s Day at Snowbird proved to be a great one. A storm moved into Little Cotton Canyon the night before and put some fresh snow on the ground, nine inches to be exact. The storm called for nine to twelve inches so I could not complain with nine as a happy medium. I had trouble sleeping that night because I knew the skiing was going to be the best out of our time out there.

I awoke at six am ready to find the fresh powder, then had to wait in the tram line to find it

My Dad and I were out the door by 7:15 am ready to catch the first tram up the mountain. After a grueling forty five-minute wait the tram opened to the public at 8:00am. We missed the first tram twenty people but were headed up to the top of Snowbird by 8:30am. 11,000 vertical feet is a great place to find fresh tracks, espeecially at 8:45 am.

Our first run of the day came at The Cirque which had been the best run of the week. With nine inches of snow it was even better. I love The Cirque because of its steep vertical descent and wind blown powder. After a great warmup run we headed over to Gad 2 where we found the best snow of the day.

The trees of Gad 2 are some of my favorite on the mountain

There is something magical about the Gad 2 lift on a powder day. It is one of the oldest and slowest lifts in Snowbird but the skiing is always great there. On a really good powder day usually the game-plan is to head there first.

The video above is me skiing gad 2 early that

morning; conditions were ideal.

We spent a good few hours over at Alta but it ended up that the best snow of the day was at Snowbird. That is one of the great things about these mountains, one side of the mountain might have a few more inches of snow and significantly better skiing.

We headed in after a great day of skiing.

The facts don’t lie.

Duration on the mountain: 7 hours 32 minutes and 22 seconds

Distance Skied 19.5 miles

Statistics from iphone GPS Application ‘Ski Tracks’

1,334 Miles, 25 hours and 51 minutes Later

Friday April 1, 2011 I began an incredible eight days of chasing sports around the southeastern part of the United States. My journey started in Auburn, Alabama, and ended there ten days later. I will be recapping each specific event in detail but for now I want to give a broad overview of my travels and experiences.

I left Auburn, Alabama, Friday, April 1, 2011 around 6:00pm central time and drove to Duluth, Georgia.

Miles Driven: 134

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 2 hours, 20 Minutes

The next afternoon I played The Highlands Course at The Atlanta Athletic Club with a good friend of mine, Matt Bruder. This is the course that will be host to the 93^rd PGA Championship this August.

25 MPH winds and fast greens gave me and Matt issues
on the front nine of The Highlands course.

Our play improved dramatically: Hole number 8 Matt
puts a great chip within inches of the hole.

Great drives on Number 10 left Matt and I with
manageable approach shots for Par and Birdie. 

I awoke early Sunday, April 3, 2011 to return to Auburn, Alabama, for a golf tournament some friends and I had set up.

Miles Driven: 134

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 2 hours 20 Minutes

I played well on the course that afternoon and was excited about the week ahead of me. The next leg in my journey was a two day excursion to Augusta, Georgia, for Monday and Tuesday practice rounds at The Masters. I left Auburn, Alabama, Sunday evening around 8:30pm for Augusta Georgia.

Miles Driven: 247

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 4 hours and 20 minutes

Due to the time change, I arrived in Augusta, Georgia a little after 2:00am eastern time. It was a short nights sleep as we awoke at 5:30am ready to spend the day at Augusta National.

Monday at Augusta National left many lasting memories.

Dustin Johnson works with swing coach Butch Harmon,
who also assists Tiger Woods and several other golfers.

A perfect day at Augusta National.

From Left to Right: Ben Cantrell (First Masters), Myself (Second Masters), Andrew Bruen (Third Masters)

After a great first day my two friends headed home, and I headed to Columbia, South Carolina, to prepare for day two at The Masters.

Miles Driven: 72

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 1 hour, 16 minutes

After a short night of sleep, my friend who I stayed with awoke and I at 5:15am to prepare for another day at Augusta National. There were bad storms that moved through the Southeast that evening, which made the drive from Columbia to Augusta slightly longer.

Miles Driven: 72

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Day two at The Masters proved every bit as spectacular as the first one, but it got even better as the day went on.

Storms kept the course from opening on time Tuesday.

Great seats on the Par 3 13th provided a chance to see
rising starts such as Rory McIlroy (pictured above) and Ernie
Else (pictured below).

Another great day at Augusta National came to an end, and I had to drive back to Auburn, Alabama that evening.

Miles Driven: 247

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Wednesday and Thursday lingered on as I had a presentation, project and test within those two days. 

Friday finally came and it was time to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for the Atlanta Braves home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Miles Driven: 107

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 1 hour and 50 minutes

A chance to see collected his 2,500 hit. In my book
he should be in the Hall of Fame.

My cousin had a chance to attend his first Major League
Baseball Game, which is always a thrilling event.

The trip back to Auburn, Alabama, from Atlanta, Georgia, was not a good one. We were in I-85 bumper-to-bumper traffic for several hours.

Miles Driven: 107 miles

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Saturday, April 10, 2011 provided a day to rest in Auburn, Alabama, and prepare for one more travel day. I awoke Sunday morning April 11, 2011 and traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for the Honda Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park.

Miles Driven: 107

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Seeing the fastest cars in the world race in the world was an
adrenaline rush.

Meeting Danica Patrick was another great highlight of the day. We had a brief conversation, and I did not have the chance to give her my number. But I am sure another situation will arise, and we can meet up for coffee or dinner and discuss the racing industry.

A great ten days was coming to an end as I drove back to Auburn, Alabama.

Miles Driven: 107

Approximate time spent driving to destination: 2 hours, 15 minutes

As I reflect on the mileage I drove and the hours I spent in the car to reach my destinations, I can only think about how I am ready to get on the road again.

Total Miles Driven: 1,334
Total Hours spent in the car: 25 hours and 51 minutes

Combining My two greatest passions: Snow and The Masters

Lately I have been doing a lot of research on The Masters to prepare for the 2011 tournament at Augusta National. There are many great Masters videos on youtube right now. If you know anything about the Masters I highly encourage you to check them out, I get chill bumps from most of them.

This video combines two of my passions, snow and The Masters:

I will do some research on Jackson Hole golf courses and see if I can make this happen soon.

Ten reasons why The Masters is the best tournament in golf

I will be attending the Masters for the second consecutive year. As I prepare for my trip to Augusta National, I reflect on some of the memories that stick out in my mind about what makes this course and tournament the best in the world.

All photos were taken by me at the 2010 Masters Monday practice round at Augusta National except (4) and (9), which were taken by Rob Markham at the 2009 Masters.

1. Hole Number 18: Holly

Imagine walking up to the 18th hole of Augusta National. It is Sunday afternoon and the Green Jacket awaits you. You have a one shot lead and all you need is a par to win the tournament. Every eye of Augusta is on you. Millions of eyes outside of Augusta are watching you. Can you compose yourself and win the Masters?

2. Hole Number 12: Golden Bell 

One of the most famous holes in golf that brings variable weather conditions. This is the shortest par three on the course, and club selection can often be vary difficult. Golfers be aware: stick one in Rae's creek and your Masters dreams could be put on hold for one more year.

3. The Green Jacket

 One of the most prestigious traditions in sports, and the reward for finishing first at Augusta National at the Masters. For professional golfers this is the most sought after item in the game.

4. Phil is the Man

Phil Mickelson is not only a great golfer but also a great man and a true gentleman. Two years ago he played with a Florida State golfer during a practice round. I am sure it was a great experience for Phil but an experience of a lifetime for the Florida State golfer.

5.  The Beverage and Food Menu

Tickets to the Masters are pricey and often difficult to obtain, but once inside the grounds the prices for food and beverages are quite cheap. Grab a pimiento cheese sandwich and bottle of water for $3.00.

6. Masters Chairs

Get to the Masters early and make sure you have your Masters chair. Leave that chair wherever you may choose and walk the grounds of Augusta National. Your chair will not be removed, it will not be touched. It's the Masters.

7. Expect the Unexpected

I had the opportunity to witness a 12-year-old boy hit Fuzzy Zoeller's club. He hit one ball, and it landed within 20 yards of the pin.

8. See a Young Professional Become a Star 

Rory Mcllroy would look great in a Green Jacket. He turns 22 on May 4, 2011.

9. See Something You Might Not Ever See Again

During two tournaments Vijay Signh skipped a ball across the water, and it landed on the green. I guess it's true what they say: these guys are good.

10. Tiger Woods

I had the opportunity to witness Tiger Woods play in his first time back on the course since his chaos off the course events. The gallery cheered louder for him than they did for any other player all day. Will the 2011 Masters be Tiger's return to golf glory?

A Skier's Sunday at the Bird Part 1

To get a initial idea of how optimal the conditions were today at Snowbird check out this video I took from the top of the Tram. 11,000 vertical feet.

Spring Skiing in Snowbird/Alta Provides Endless Possibilities

One of the great things about snow skiing is the variable conditions that you deal with. Often times you get dressed put on your skis and have no clue what you are getting into. Unfortunately, sometimes you expect fresh snow and find none. At the same  time there are days where you go out with minimal expectations  and find powder shots you wouldn’t dream possible.

 Springtime in Utah means one thing: variable conditions. Today was my first day on the mountain.  I spent the day skiing with my Dad and we were out early and ready to have a great first day. After the first few runs we could tell today was not going to provide the best skiing conditions. The weather was up and down all day and there were also several other factors that contributed to the subpar snow today.  A big storm passed through about a week ago and provided optimal skiing for the next few days.  Not long after that storm the greater Utah area experienced a warm front and the once fresh powder became flattened heavy snow.

Numerous times throughout the day
I saw skiers having difficult time with conditions

For those of you not familiar with Snowbird and Alta let me give you a background of why its such a sought after place to ski. Snowbird averages 500 inches of snowfall annually. Alta typically receives a similar amount. These two mountains hold a distinct competitive advantage over others outside of Salt Lake City because of there geographical location. Little Cottonwood Canyon experiences a phenomenon called “lake effect” (if you are unfamiliar with the lake effect I will explain it in a later post.)

Knowing that skiing was not at our optimum level we set out to find the best runs on the two mountains and stick with those for the remainder of the day. We ventured over to the Collins Tree’s at Alta, which is usually a go to spot for guaranteed good snow; today the good snow was not there unfortunately. We decided to return back to Snowbird and this proved to be a great decision.

I am typically not a big fan of the Tram but we decided to give it a shot and try to find some good snow. Let’s just say the Tram was the best decision. The tram takes you to the highest point off the mountain 11, 000 feet. We found a great bowl right off the tram, the Upper Cirque. This bowl is almost always great to ski as it gets snow blown in it from close areas on the mountain and it does not receive as much direct sunlight as most places on the mountain. It was so good that I decided to make the 3,240 vertical foot decent three times.

As if skiing today wasn’t enough, Snowbird was hosting the World Freesking Championships today. Some of the world’s best freestyle skiers took Snowbird cliffs to a whole new level.

Freestyle World Championships Provide Locals and
Visitors the opportunity to relax and watch some crazy skiing.

A day of spring skiing always ends with a final lift. My last lift actually eneded up coming prematurely. I got to the base of the mountain and learned that the lifts were temporarily shut down due to a lightning strike not far from the mountain. Thus I had to make a short vertical hike to The Cliff.

Only in Utah.

Only in the Spring.