Kirkley's Sports Korner

Until the finish...

2012-10-25T15:41:00.003-04:00

A city back on its football feet

The Atlanta Falcons (6-0) have finished up their bye week and are ready to hit the field again. They started yesterday game planning for a showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) in Philly. As we all know the Falcons come into this weeks game as the only undefeated team left in the NFL this year. But in some of the national media's eyes, that's still not good enough. I guess it's because it's a team that is based out of Atlanta. They keep on saying that all the Falcon's wins are against below .500 team. Well, that might be the case now, but at the time the Falcons played these teams, they might have been pretty good. I don't buy into that notion. Any team can win in any given game. I don't care if you are undefeated or haven't won a game. These players are all professionals. When the Falcons played the Denver Broncos back on September 17, the Broncos almost came back to win, but the Falcons' defense held strong and stopped the Peyton Manning lead Broncos. And last I heard, this Manning guy is pretty good. And then lets take a look at the San Diego Chargers game just a week later. The Falcons controlled the game from the opening whistle until the last whistle sounded, winning the contest 27-3. And if I recall, at that time, the Chargers were ranked #3 in total defense.

So in this upcoming week's game, the Falcons are going up against the one player that ultimately disgraced the entire Falcons' organization, and city for that matter. Eagles QB Michael Vick still doesn't hold on to the ball well, with at least two turnovers a game this year. The defense, though ranked well, still fired their Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo and promoted Defensive Backs Coach Todd Bowles as the new DC. I still believe the Eagles D is going to be tough this game. The only way the Falcons will win big is if they contain Vick from running, and cause him to turn the ball over 2+ times. My prediction, Falcons 24, Eagles 20. What, did you think I was going to pick the Eagles? Well, I am a Falcons fan. Bowles will still use Castillo's scheme, and the Eagles will not look confused for the first game for the new DC.

The Falcons hold the key to the rest of their season. If they continue to win, then the media can hush about them being a team that shouldn't be in a position that they are in. But again, the media might say the other team had an off game, and that's why the Falcons won. As if to say if that team had a better game, they would have won. Give the credit where the credit is due. The Atlanta Falcons are playing great, wining big, winning, pretty, and winning ugly. And that's the sign of a good team, when that team can win in all phases of a game. Now the Falcons may not win the Super Bowl, but they have a good shot to get there. Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley
I am a loving husband, father. God and family are #1 in my life.
Academic Librarian/Cobb Game Day Magazine Contributor/Sports Writer/Sports Blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized
when they are written."

Restful timing...

2012-10-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

This is an awesome time for me right now. In all phases of my life. Love my beautiful wife and awesome, precious daughter. But this is the first time in my life that I, and for that matter, first time in Atlanta Falcons history that they go into the bye week undefeated. The Falcons sit at 6-0 atop the NFC South division with a 3.5 game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I realize the Falcons have only played the Carolina Panthers in divisional play, and that lead could shrink. But 3.5 game lead in a 16-game season is huge. It's huge for the Falcons' confidence because they want to ride this unbeaten streak as long as they can. An I will agree, they probably will not go the entire season undefeated, but it still feels good.

The sign of a good team is when you can win pretty, win ugly, and also win big. The Falcons have done all three. QB Matt Ryan, is well, "Matty Ice" when he is under pressure. So far this year when the Falcons have had the ball last and down or tied, he has come through. The Carolina game, down my one, Ryan drove his offense down the field 99 yards where K Matt Bryant booted the Falcons to a 30-28 win and move to 4-0. The most impressive stat for the game was the Falcons got the ball with .48 seconds left on the clock and zero timeouts. Now that's clutch play!!! And also this past game versus the Oakland Raiders, CB Asante Samuel took a pick six back for a go ahead TD and a 20-13 lead. But after a quick score by the Raiders, and just under 2-minutes on the clock, Ryan had his offense clicking again. Key catches by TE Tony Gonzalez set up Bryant's 55-yard kick through the uprights and a 6-0 record with a 23-20 win.

So to sum up this post, I can actually go into this bye watching the other games, and not worry about the Falcons' position. Falcons are the only undefeated team in the NFL so far in the 2012 season, and they sit atop this week's power rankings, and probably will at least for the next couple of weeks, or until they lose. So win or lose for the other teams in the NFC South, no worries for Atlanta this week. They still own the top spot for the south. Here is the standings through week 7.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley
I am a loving husband, father. God and family are #1 in my life.
Kennesaw State Univ alum in Journalism.
Academic librarian/writer/blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized
when they are written."

NFC South (through week 7)

Atlanta           6-0 --
Tampa Bay     2-3 3.5
Carolina     1-4   4.5
New Orleans   1-4   4.5

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Through the eyes of a child...

2012-10-17T11:57:00.001-04:00

So as I sat and watched the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday win their sixth straight to improve their NFL best record to 6-0, I looked down at my 9-month old daughter playing on her blanket on the floor, toys in hand, and just wondered to myself. Why all her smiles? So she's all dressed up as a little Falcon fan, not a care in the world, looking up at the man that feeds, clothes, changes diapers, and much, much, more for her. And looks at me with all smiles, and the amazement in her eyes, and probably wonders, why is this man so happy? Soon she will realize why. Soon mommy and daddy will raise her as a lady, but will still have it in her to catch the game. That's how my wife was raised, and so be it with our young daughter as well.

So at that particular moment I was wondering a baby at her age, without a care in the world, what was actually going through her mind. She is at an age now that she has, and knows, her comfort zone. She know that where she lays and sits on the floor is her spot, and she is comfortable. She knows when she is fussy and ready for a nap or bed, when myself or mommy places her in her crib, she quiets, and soon is asleep.

I know this isn't much of a post, but it just caught my curiosity at that moment when the Falcons game was on tv. If you would like to see the third edition of Team Kirkley, just see my updated photo, all dressed in Atlanta Falcons' pink, on the picture icon on the right side of this page.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

This is still BRAVES COUNTRY...

2012-10-10T09:10:00.004-04:00

3B Chipper Jones swings the bat for the final time as he legged out an infield single. Photo: Getty Images

At least it still is to me. Well, this was not the ending Chipper Jones wanted. And riding off into that perfect sunset was just not meant to be. Chipper said in his post game comments that he has no regrets. At least he did get a ring back in 1995 when the Braves beat the Indians to claim that World Series. Chipper's last career at-bat was an infield single. But I would guess he would trade that for a trip to Washington. But there are many factors that caused the Braves a chance to move forward in the playoffs, none more talked about than the infield fly rule, that in my opinion, should never have been called. The Braves were down at that point 3-6, but were rallying with players on 1st and 2nd when the infield fly rule was called. That would have loaded the bases. But instead of one out and bases loaded, it was two outs and 1st and 2nd still occupied. My question is, where in the rule book does it state that an infield fly rule can be called 80 feet in the outfield? First off, that's a fly ball to the outfield, not a pop up in the infield. Infield stops where the dirt of the infield ends, or at least it should. Okay, I'm not going to get carried away because it is just a game, and there were other factors that contributed to the loss. Three errors cost the Braves three runs. At that point it was 2-0 Braves courtesy of C David Ross 2-run homer to left. So it was man on first and one out and the ball was sharply hit to Chipper, double play and out of the inning. Nope!! Chipper throws it into the outfield. Later there were two more errors, which resulted in a swing in momentum for the Cardinals as they took the lead 3-2.

But my hats go off to the Braves for staying strong throughout the season. There was not a debacle of losing 20 of 30 like the 2011 season. This season as much as I would have loved to see Chipper and the Braves earn that ring, it wasn't meant to be. The void at third for years to come is going to be felt. And even when the new player lines up at third, a little bit of me will look over there and imagine Chipper positioned ready to snag the baseball and fire to first. The 2013 season might bring another player at centerfield. Centerfielder and leadoff man Michael Bourn is a free agent and might surf the market. Martin Prado could fill the leadoff spot, and even play third, but that would mean a shifting of players in all positions. My guess the Braves try to resign Bourn, leave Prado in leftfield, and try to pick up a third baseman in the free agent market.

Here's to a relaxing offseason for the Braves and lets get ready to fire it back up this upcoming February. Oh, BTW, let's go Washington Nationals, lets bring the trophy back to the National League East.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Lets win this one for...

2012-09-27T12:31:00.001-04:00

So you know the old saying when a player is about to retire, "Lets win this one for..."then you fill in the name? Well, I'm going to finish the phrase with two names. Being a hometown Atlanta fan, can you think of the two names I'm referring too? Yes, the names I am referring to are none other than two first ballot future hall of fame candidates, Chipper Jones of the Braves and Tony Gonzalez of the Falcons.

3B Chipper Jones salutes Turner Field crowd: Photo/Keith Cawley

Chipper wants to go out on top, and he is doing everything in is power to do so. The Atlanta Braves are on a roll, just accepting another trip to the postseason two nights ago with a win over the Miami Marlins at the Ted in Atlanta. The Braves are in a match with the St. Louis Cardinals to play in the one game wild card game, winner moves on, loser watches the rest of the playoffs from the couch. But if the Braves have anything to do with it, they want the division. The Braves (90-65) are only 4 games back of the NL East leading Washington Nationals (94-61). Both teams are in the playoffs regardless who wins the East pennant, and the Braves are playing the last remaining games as they mean something. It seems all fitting to the Braves organization and their fans that Chipper is retiring, and the team is getting hot at the right time. It's good for Chipper, because he is playing good as well. Currently Chipper is batting .295, with 14 home runs and 62 RBI's. Total career statistics are Hall of Fame worthy. In Chipper's career, he's batting .304 with 468 homers and 1,623 RBI's. And if you were to ask him, it's all about team, and not individual statistics. It wouldn't mean as much if Chipper was hurting and just waiting for the season to end so he can start the next chapter of his life. But he and team are both giving it their all. There is no doubt, win or lose in the playoffs, Chipper will go down as the best 3rd baseman of Braves history, and second best Brave of all time behind Henry "Hank" Aaron. In my opinion, Chipper moves past Dale Murphy. But Murph was still the man back in the 1980's. Chipper's 19th season is his last, and he will enter the hall as an Atlanta Brave. This doesn't happen too ofter in professional sports anymore with free agency playing a big factor in player contracts. Chipper has played all 19 years in a Braves uniform. Funny thing is, he has played more because that 19 doesn't count the minors.But Chipper said he wouldn't have it any other way. He loves the organization, fans, and the city.

TE Tony Gonzalez signature dunking after TD; Photo/ Curtis Compton/AJC

So know lets focus a little on something called football. And I know that the name Tony Gonzalez rings a bell, even so for all the non football fans. And how can you not be a football fan? Gonzalez is entering his 4th season as the starting tight end for the Falcons, 16th season overall with 12 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now Gonzalez won't go into the Hall of Fame as a Falcon, but as a Chief, because he spent most of his career there, and his heart is still with KC. And who could blame him? It would be the same way if it were me as well. But in all of his 16 years, he has never won a championship, let alone a playoff game. And he is 0-3 in Atlanta in the postseason. Currently Gonzalez is 2nd all time in receptions behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (1,549) with 1,107 catches. Rice is also leading in receiving yards with 22,895, and Gonzalez is 10th with 13,552. But that could change at year's end. But this could be his year. Gonzalez is hanging up his cleats at the end of this season. But he is also going to put up a fight to extend the Falcon's season past the 16th game and shoot for a ring. The rest of the team is helping in that cause as well. The Falcon's have started the season 3-0, and are number 2 in power rankings. The defense leads the league with 11 turnovers, and the offense has put up 94 points in three games, an average of 31 ppg. Last night on NFL Network Total Access former QB Kurt Warner named QB Matt Ryan best in the NFL this year so far. But for me, all the top accolades are great, but I always want to be under the radar. Because I don't want all this to go to the player's head. I want the team to stay focused. And that is where the leadership of this team comes in hand. I think Gonzalez will help with that. And there is one goal, and that's to let Gonzalez hold up the Lombardi in New Orleans. Wow, that would be something, for Atlanta to win a Super Dome on the Saints home turf, and funny at the same time. But let's not focus on that. One game at a time to get to that goal, and Gonzalez is the right player to help.

So if the Braves and Falcons continue moving forward with the success both teams are having this year, both Chipper and Gonzalez could both ride off into the sunset with rings.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Baseball Wildcard Playoff game...

2012-09-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I really like the idea of the one playoff game between the two wildcard teams. This is the first year that baseball has instituted a second wild card team. The Atlanta Braves currently hold the first wild card spot with a 86-64 record, and the St. Louis Cardinals hold the second spot (as of right now) with a 80-70 record. The Braves have command of the first spot, up six games on the Cardinals. But I'm not even going to mention what happened last year, lets move on. But really, the second spot is up in the air. The Cardinals currently hold a 2.5 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. It's really a close race for that second spot. Only 3 games separating St. Louis, Milwaukee, LA Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yes, I said Philly. It's amazing that the Philliies are in the race because they have been bad the entire season. But of late they have been coming on strong and currently hold a 76-74 record.

NL East NL WildCard

National League Baseball

1. Washington   91-58     ..             1. Atlanta         86-64   +6
2. Atlanta          86-64   5.5          2. St. Louis    80-70    ..
                                                      3. Milwaukee   77-72    2.5
                                                    4. LA Dodgers 77-73    3.0
                                                      5. Philadelphia 76-74    4.0
                                                      6. Arizona        74-75    5.5

I say all this because the Braves open up a three-game set with these Phillies up in the city of Brotherly Love starting today. The Braves are 5.5 games behind NL East leading Washington Nationals, who at least clinched a playoff sport last night. If the Nationals don't falter, and the Braves surge, the Nationals will be kings of the NL East for 2012, and will be making their first trip to the postseason since the 1930's.

But let's take a little look at the wild card playoff game. I really like the one game playoff. I know, it is only one game. But for me, that's exciting. It's one and you move on, or one and you go home. Just like in football, there's no series, just one game. Once you win that game, then you move on to play one of the division winner in the best of 3 of 5 series like in years past. Some people that I talk to do not like this format, but it's all a matter of opinion. It brings that sense of excitement along with the chill that October baseball brings. If the Braves were to stay on top of the wildcard race, the one game would have a southern hospitality feel at Turner Field in Atlanta. Game set for Friday, October 5.

So for all the Braves fans, forget about yesteryear, and let's bring hope for this year. A NL East championship, or winner of the wildcard race. Bring on October baseball.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @makirkley.

The era Still Lives...

2012-09-19T10:37:00.003-04:00

Old Shield/NFL Films

New(current) Shield/NFL Films

It was a sad day for the NFL yesterday, and for the fans of this great game we enjoy called FOOTBALL. The NFL lost a great man, and the founder of NFL Films, Steve Sabol. Sabol had been battling brain cancer for the past 18 months. This is not going to be a long post, just wanted to get my point across of what NFL Films meant to this 35-year old fan of America's finest sport.

I can still recapture that moment when I heard and saw former Head Coach Jerry Glanville tell the official, "The NFL stands for 'Not For Long' if you continue to make calls like that." Guess I had to change the quote just a little because this is a family friendly sports blog. There were a few bleeps in his comments to the ref. Technology and quality of video change every day. But as I remember the old school, rough footage of that time, I remember those days, and in the back of my mind, actually miss those days.

I remember waking up in the early hours of the morning just to catch the NFL Films production of the Atlanta Falcons season in review, and what to look forward with the coming season. I would find myself trying to catch the other 31 teams as well. The raw footage was priceless with players and coaches miked. Now I can get that footage at my fingertips on my phone, and still get plenty of sleep.

The memory of Steve Sabol will live on forever. So the next time you turn on the TV to watch NFL Network, or log on to NFL.com, just know Sabol's imprint is somewhere on that TV screen or monitor.

Even though you didn't know me Steve, thank you for bringing the NFL into my home.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Falcons' win, despite bad officiating...

2012-09-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Falcons safety William Moore grabs QB Peyton Manning's first INT. Photo/ Kevin C. Cox

Going into this game last night between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos in the Georgia Dome, all that was being told was how Denver QB Peyton Manning was back to pre injury form, and he was going to throw all over the Falcon's defense. But after the first quarter, the Falcons led 10-0, and intercepting Manning three times. The Falcons ended the game with a 27-21 victory improving 2-0, while the Broncos fell to 1-1. I give the entire Falcons organization from coaching to players that victory, great game plan. The Falcons' D was mixing up every play and it was confusing Manning all game. But be it, it is Peyton, and that means he is not going to go out without a fight. After the Falcons got up 20-7, he drove his team back to within six points with three minutes left in the game, but the Falcon's offense took over and held on to the ball to run out the clock.

The Falcons' O was steady, not spectacular, to help with the victory. QB Matt Ryan was 24-36 for 219 yards with two more passing touchdowns to give him five total on this young season. This to go along with his one score on the ground that came from the Kansas City game. WR Julio Jones had an off night, only collecting four catches on 14 yards, but that's okay because WR Roddy White lifted up the receiving corps collecting 102 yards on eight catches and one score. Again, the running game has been subpar, with RB Michael Turner only collecting 42 yards and one score. The one TD came on a goal line play, really no yards, but maybe just one.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan celebrates TD. Kevin C. Cox

But waking up this morning and heading into the office, all I heard was how bad the replacement officials are, especially on Monday Night football. To begin it all, it seemed that every play was discussed, which led to a two hour 1st quarter. Yes, two hours!!! Normally that's an entire first half. And with the game starting at 8:30 pm, the game ended close to 12:30 am. Not necessary!!! Some of the replays were necessary. For instance, Denver's first touchdown from Manning to WR Demaryius Thomas in the corner of the endzone. Thomas did drag both feet inbounds. Correct on that call. But the fumble by Denver RB Knowshon Moreno, I still don't know who really came away with the ball. Refs sided with Atlanta, so I will go with it. But there was not a legitimate view of who actually recovered the ball. But then the arguments started, and the brawl between both teams started. The officials did a poor job of keeping tempers down. And am I wrong on this, but when did a defensive pass interference become 20 yard penalty? That's exactly what happened on one play against the Atlanta defense. And instead of the ball being placed on Atlanta's 38, which it should have, it was marked at the 33. Very Bad!!!

But all around I'm glad the Falcon's are 2-0 atop the NFC South. Current standing is:

Atlanta: 2-0
Carolina: 1-1
Tampa Bay:1-1
New Orleans: 0-2

But I know all this could change. The season is still young. The Falcons will travel to San Diego this upcoming Sunday on a short week to play the Chargers. Kickoff set for 4:05 pm est. Lets continue this awesome ride to 3-0.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Rememberance...

2012-09-11T14:20:00.002-04:00

Let God and Freedom Reign forever!!!

With the new football season upon us, and Sundays set aside for church and football. A little dose of reality set in this morning as I arrived at my office. What was I doing 11 years ago to the date. I was at the same desk when word came over my portable radio (which since has been replaced by desktop Pandora and Sirius XM) that the World Trade Center Towers in New York City has been bombed. At that point, the voice over the radio and myself didn't know how it had been bombed. Later that hour I heard the chilling words that both towers had been hit by airplanes in a suicide mission, and then later the Pentagon had been hit as well as a plane taken down in Pennsylvania. Today, and each September we should always take a moment to remember the people lost in all the crashes. This is really a sad day for the United States of America. It's mind boggling to me how another human being would want to kill another. There's nowhere in God's Kingdom that he wants one to kill another in his name. We are all on this earth together, and that time should always be cherished.

So as we are blessed to have a past time that we love and enjoy called football that takes our attention off the real world for a few hours a week, remember to say a silent or out loud prayer for that matter, where ever you are today. Just remember all the people that lost their lives that unforgettable day. And remember all the heroes that helped save thousands of other lives from being lost that day as well.

And one last thing, before you go to bed tonight, make sure you hug your love ones and tell them how much you love them. And from TEAM KIRKLEY to all the families out there, God Bless this Awesome Country we call AMERICA!!!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Roll call starts here...

2012-09-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Atlanta QB Matt Ryan gearing up to throw vs Chiefs: Photo/ AP

It was a great opening week for the Atlanta Falcons as they traveled to Arrowhead Stadium to compete against the Kansas City Chiefs in the opening game of the 2012 season. Waking up that morning as my wife was just laying down for sleep from hard work at the hospital, I turned on NFL Network as I was getting my daughter ready for a day of church and football. So who do I hear give my Atlanta Falcons a another beat down, none other than Falcons hater Warren Sapp? Saying the Chiefs will win 41-0. I would not have been so upset if he picked the Chiefs to win by 3 or 7, or even 10. But Falcons scoring zero. Did he not even see tape of the first team in preseason. So no matter if the Falcons saw that clip or not, the Falcons won, and they were the ones that put up 40 on the scoreboard, final score, 40-24.

The Falcons were ready to play!!! The Falcons wasted no time as the scored on the opening drive. Quarterback Matt Ryan hooked up with WR Julio Jones for the first TD of the season/game. It was a dominate performance by the O. Ryan finished the game 23-31 for 299 yards with 4 touchdowns, three by air and one by ground. Ryan connected two touchdowns with Jones and one with TE Tony Gonzalez. Then Ryan decided to take matters in his own hands as he ran one touchdown in for six more. Ryan was perfect in not turning the ball over. Jones ended the day with six catches for 108 yards on two scores. WR Roddy White didn't cross the endzone with the ball, but ended the day with six catches as well on 87 yards. The most memorable play in my eyes was Gonzalez's TD back at Arrowhead as he did his usual dunking of the ball over the field goal post after he scored.

Safety Thomas DeCoud makes TD saving tackle on KC RB Jamaal Charles: Photo/John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Big props to the defense as defensive coordinator Mike Nolan showed off his polished defense. It was actually looking like the old D in the first half as they gave up 17 points and let KC QB Matt Cassel throw at will. But something the Falcons did at the half that they didn't do the last four years, was make adjustments. The Falcons came out and pressured Kansas City, which resulted in three turnovers. The D in the second half looked like Nolan's D, the one that I expected. While all this was going on, the offense did not lose a step, and powered 20 more points on the scoreboard.

The only significant injury for the Falcons on this game was starting corner Brent Grimes going down with an apparent achilles injury. Later it showed up that is what it was. So on season ending injured reserve Grimes goes. This hurts in so many areas. Grimes just signed a one-year franchise tag for 10 million dollars. This tender is guaranteed. So the Falcons are out 10 million dollars as they were trying to work a long term deal with Grimes. With this type of injury, not sure if Grimes will ever suit up in a Falcons uniform. Grimes was the Falcons best corner. So now backup corners Chris Owens and Dominique Franks need to step up. Not really sure if Falcons will try to sign a free agent corner. None really out there. Good luck Grimes in your recovery.

I know this is only one game, but watching the game on Sunday, the feeling I had was the same feeling I had back in the 1998 Super Bowl win. I hope that feeling remains the remaining 15 games. But time will tell. In the rest of the division play, Washington beat New Orleans 40-32 and Tampa Bay beat Carolina 16-10. The standing in the NFC South after one game are:

Atlanta Falcons 1-0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-0
Carolina Panthers 0-1
New Orleans Saints 0-1.

Next game for the Falcons is a home contest this upcoming Monday night against the Denver Broncos. Denver beat Pittsburgh this past week 31-19. Denver's D is strong, so the Falcons need to play at an even higher level. And with QB Peyton Manning showing no signs that he took a year off, it's going to be a tough contest. The home crowd needs to be that 12th man.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Preseason finally finished...start of new season here

2012-08-31T14:51:00.001-04:00

QB Dominique Davis fires back to make throw: Photo/Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

And that makes four for preseason 2012 Falcons football. The Falcons finished up the final game of the preseason with a loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-14. The Falcons came away from preseason with a 1-3 record, with the lone win at the Miami Dolphins in game three. As every arm chair GM knows, the preseason is about scouting your team for the best 53-man roster, not about wins and losses. To me, this preseason has been so different than preseasons of the past. In the past it would just seem that the coaches would sit on the players they have, and not try to move forward with others. First off, with OC Dirk Koetter and DC Mike Nolan taking the reigns on both sides of the ball, the Falcons have legitimate coordinators that can use the talent that they have. And with that talent, hopefully move past the first round of the second season of pro football, the playoffs. With today being cut day to get to 53, the Falcons have already cleaned house a little. Last week, long time backups QB Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson gone, in are rookie QB Dominique Davis and verteran QB Luke McCown to back up starter Matt Ryan. Davis, who backed up Ryan when both were at Boston College, Davis a freshman, Ryan a senior, has the arm strength to throw downfield, and has the legs to move and scramble downfield if he has to as well. No brainer for a backup to groom. McCown I'm still iffy about. Maybe just a roster spot until another veteran QB is released.Though he does have experience in Koetter's offense.

Listening to Sirius Radio this morning in my car, they were talking about a good fit for Michael Turner would be either the Indianapolis Colts are the Pittsburgh Steelers, because it was said both teams are looking for a bruiser that could just pound the ball and run out the clock. I had to stop for a second and just say whoa!!! Falcons are not going to get rid of Turner just yet. They just want to limit his carries so he is not worn down towards the end of the season. And in Koetter's new offense, he is going to be a big part of the screen game. Turner is still part of the offense. Not time to let him go just yet.

It's going to be interesting to see how this season unfolds. With the first game away at the Kansas City Chiefs, there is going to be a lot of if's that come to life. And if those if's come to life, no telling where this team and how far this team can go.

Stay tuned for more updates on who's cut and who's signed by the Falcons in the coming day's. Deadline to 53-man roster is 7:00pm tonight, but that doesn't mean other transactions won't happen.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

And that makes six...

2012-08-20T09:36:00.001-04:00

QB Matt Ryan set to take snap vs Bengals. Photo: US Presswire/ John D. Weiss

So the NFL season is upon us, and training camps are winding down, but practices continue. The Falcons have opened up the preseason fast, but yet, it has been sluggish. The Falcons have played both of their campaigns so far in the comforts of the Georgia Dome. So far the last two preseasons the Falcons are 0-6, with two remaining preseason games on the road. The team pulled an 0-fer last year. I know preseason is not about wins and losses, it's all about playing your talent to see who best fits the 53-man roaster for the regular season. It is brought up all the time that as long as the starters play well, there is nothing to worry about. My opinion that's not the case. Knock on wood, but what happens if one of the starters goes down, teams have to have quality backups. I love the Falcons, but no quality backups.

Both games so far this preseason, the Falcons starters have looked in mid season form, and have both entered the half with the lead. Versus the Ravens 17-10, and the Bengals 13-10. But as the reserves followed in the second half, both leads turned into losses. Penalties, penalties, penalties. This plagued the Falcons in the Bengals game. Though there was one personal foul penalty for 15 yards on a face mask by Atlanta DT Peria Jerry on Bengals QB Andy Dalton that was not a face mask, but a great sack on the QB for not. Since the NFL officials are in strike this year, in are replacement officials, in which they have called way too many bad calls for all teams. But in their defense, they are trying and doing the best they can.

Yes, the Falcons lost both games, 31-17 and 24-19, but there were positives. A more vertical game down field is what this offense brings. QB Matt Ryan has thrown a total of 329 yards in two games, with two touchdowns and one INT. Wideout Julio Jones has been spectacular and will be the downfield threat. Wide receiver Roddy White will be the move-the-chains man and TE Tony Gonzalez, well, will just be Gonzalez, a soon to be Hall of Famer.

On the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has his players running all over the field making plays. More aggressive, and getting pressure on the quarterback. Something the Falcons couldn't do the last four years under the old defensive regimine. Outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will be the general for the D, and he will call the plays on the field. But free agent acquisition DB Asante Samuel needs to pick it up. He has got burnt the last couple games. And even admitted he was a little slow on the TD to Bengals WR AJ Green. But he will get more comfortable as the games continue.

So let the games continue as the Falcons travel to Miami to take on the Chad Ochocinco, I mean Johnson-less Dolphins this upcoming Friday, August 24 at 7:30pm. Let's get the first preseason win, then the team will feel a little better.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

It's all in the socks...

2012-08-07T10:13:00.003-04:00

Atlanta starting pitcher Ben Sheets shows off his arm. (AP Photo/H. Rump, Jr.)

So the Atlanta Braves wanted to keep the winning streak alive. So what does the team turn too? It's not a particular player, it's wardrobe. The team comes together as one team with a certain goal, by all wearing knee high socks, just like players did in the early years of baseball.

The Braves just finished up a great home stand where they went 8-2. They wanted to carry that winning mentality into the city of brotherly love last night where the team was vying for their seventh straight win against the Phillies this season. And win they did. The Braves beat the Phillies 6-1 to run the winning streak to nine out of the last 11 games. Ben Sheets took the hill for Atlanta, and he has been awesome in his three starts. He has been everything the Braves wanted him to be since signing him. He went 7.1 innings on seven hits, with one earned run. He pushed his record to 4-1. He's just what the Braves need to help push for a playoff birth and make a run for another World Series title. Right fielder Jason Heyward continues to amaze, going 2-5 as he belted his 18th homer of the season. His defense has come to life this year as well, and it was no different last night making a snow cone catch to save the Braves from a Phillies rally.

LF Martin Prado slides in safely at the plate in Atlanta's 6-1 win over Philadelphia. (Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images North America)

A side note for the Braves that came in the final game of the home stand on Sunday was 3B Chipper Jones scoring his 1,600 of his 19-year career. Chipper had the night off last night to rest his knees, hoping to keep him fresh for the stretch of the rest of the season.

If the Braves can just keep fresh and stay focused, they have something special brewing for this season. They just have to catch the Washington Nationals, who won last night, and remain three games up on the Braves in the National League East.

Something to keep in mind. With last night's win, Ben Sheets didn't record a strikeout. The last time the Braves didn't have a strikeout the entire game was 1995. And do you know what happened that year? The Braves held the World Series trophy at the end of the year.I'm just saying, it could happen.

The Phillies host the Braves tonight, gametime set for 7:10pm. Here's hoping for eight straight wins against the Phillies and a series win after tonight.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Team KIRKLEY...

2012-08-03T09:27:00.003-04:00

Even though I don't get recognized much here, I love and enjoy writing sports. Even though I don't get paid to write, I do it for fun. Maybe one day I can write enough to earn a little money apart from my career that actually puts food on the table. Though I mostly write about my loved local teams, I'm writing this post to write about my family. I have two wonderful girls that are the love of my life, my wife and daughter. I'm updating my photo to include my family. My daughter has been through so much in her six months on this earth. She is feisty and a fighter, which is what she needed to be to get through what she has been through. So here is to my awesome, and wonderful girls that I love so dearly. A family is a team, therefore, we are Team Kirkley.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Camping at the Branch...

2012-07-26T09:56:00.000-04:00


Georgia Free Agent Rookie Tight End Aron White arrives at camp. Photo: AP/ John Bazemore

So the best season of the year is upon us, well, to me anyway. Football is back!!! Majority of teams open training camp today, July 26. The Falcons open camp today at Flowery Branch, Ga. with two practices, walk through at 10:30 am and full practice at 3:30 pm. To me, training camp would be tough because I'm not in football shape. But for a lot of the veteran players, this must seem like a cake walk now. Remembering back to the old school days when there were two full out practices in the hot summer heat, and maybe add a few laps in there if things were not done up to the coaches standards. But not today, under the new CBA laws created by Commissioner Roger Goodell, these practices are babied. Can't hit hard, can't have more than one full practice. I understand keeping players fresh and injury free for the regular season. If it were left up to me, rest players in rotation, and since most teams have an indoor facility, one practice indoors, one outdoors. But I just write about this, I have no decision making authority in this matter.

But putting all that aside, it's great to have football back in the fold. All Falcons players are signed and have reported to camp. Lets lace up those cleats and strap on those helmets. Preparation begins today for all teams for the ultimate goal, the LOMBARDI. Check back for updates throughout camp.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

The Branch is About to Get Crowded...

2012-07-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

Crowded in the word of Atlanta Falcons training camp. Yes, the best time of the year is fast approaching. Less than a week and the gates at Atlanta Falcons training camp in Flowery Branch, Ga. will be open for business. Come Thursday, July 26, the business season is officially closed. All the work that the coaches, old and new, and players, old and new, have put in, will show their faces. The studying the playbook will continue for the players, but this is the time that the helmets are strapped on, shoulder pads on, and cleats laced up, and the playbook is run by the players on the field. According to CBSSportsline, the Falcons are poised to have a 12-4 season. I haven't seen any predictions on who will win the NFC South lately. But before 'bounty gate' happened, the New Orleans Saints were picked to win the the South. And if that is still true, then the worse the Saints can do will be 13-3. But again they could be tied with the Falcons, but win the series between the two teams, thus, taking the top spot in the division. Here's hoping for a worse record than that and the Falcons remain 12-4 or better and take the division out right. But any team can win in any given Sunday, so Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers could fight for the spot as well. I hope not, but anything is possible. Look at last year with the SF 49er's winning the NFC West and downing the Saints, even with bounties against them, to take a playoff win. Who would have thunk that. But this entire post shows how good the Falcons look on paper, nothing will become official until the games start, and the real analysis begins.

But back to talking about the Falcons. With two new coordinators, the pressure is on them to come up with schemes that dominate the opponents. Word has it that Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter's scheme is going to be more vertical and down field, and not relying on the run a lot. RB Michael Turner's carries will drop if that's the case. Hopefully he will help out in other ways and block, and not be upset, because this is a team effort. According to NFL Network's Total Access Show, the Falcons have the 5th best receiving duo in the NFL from 2011 behind the NY Giants ( V. Cruz & H. Nicks 2728 rec yards), Detroit Lions (C. Johnson & N. Burleson 2438 rec yards), Pittsburgh Steelers (M. Wallace & A. Brown 2301 rec yards), and NE Patriots (W. Welker & D. Branch 2271 rec yards). Falcon receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones combined yardage last season was 2255 rec yards with 155 total catches between the two. With another year under them, and hoping for a better vertical game this year, those stats could go up. And lets not forget about the missing link in all this. Slot receiver Harry Douglas role could increase with a better passing game. But Douglas might be leaned on more heavily as punt returner.And all this can't be possible unless the offensive line holds up and gives QB Matt Ryan ample time to throw the ball downfield.

On defense, new Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan's 4-3, 3-4 hybrid scheme will call for more pressure on the quarterback. This will be a welcome sight to me after suffering through so many years of soft coverages with no pressure on any player, much less the QB. With DE John Abraham resigned and another year with Ray Edwards on the other side, look for both players to get more work. I have never worried about the Falcons linebacker corp. This year will be no different, with Sean Weatherpoon taking charge for this group, I have no worries. Last year Akeen Dent stepped in and played a pivitol role when fellow linebacker Stephen Nicholas missed games due to injury. Look for his roll to increase and maybe even start with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton going to the dark side, signing with the NO Saints. And FINALLY the Falcons have a good secondary that will bring pressure to opposing receivers. Hard hitting William Moore and Tomas DeCoud man the reigns in the middle at Safety. And with the signing of CB Asante Samuel, Falcons have legit cornerbacks in the backfield. Fellow cornerbacks Dunta Robinson will be in the middle with Brent Grimes on the left outside and Samuel on the right. But the left and right side CB between those two guys could change depending on the play and what receivers are on the field.

So all these battles will be played out in the coming weeks to see who fits best where. Lets hope that both sides of the ball gel well together so once the opening regular season game vs Kansas City arrives, the Falcons new look with be unleashed. And only 20 more days until first preseason game vs the Baltimore Ravens at the dome.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Catcher's hero...

2012-07-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

C David Ross heading back to dugout after 3-run blast vs Mets/ Photo: Daniel Shirey, US Presswire

Doesn't it seem that the plan always works out. Though Braves fans would have enjoyed seeing catcher Brian McCann in the All Star game, there were other plans for him that were way more important. This coming from me who just welcomed my first child, a daughter, six months ago. On Friday the 13th, instead of playing in the second half opener against the Metropolitans at the Ted, McCann was welcoming his first child, a baby boy into this awesome country we call America. So in his place behind the plate steps in backup David Ross. Ross is not the ordinary backup, He could probably start for half of the teams around the league. But he is content just being behind McCann, and staying close to home, literally, from Bainbridge, Georgia.

Ross stepped in and went 1-3 with three walks and four RBI's. But the lone hit was the difference in the ball game as he blasted a three run homer to left field to put the Braves atop the Mets as the final score was 7-5 in favor of the good guys. So two hero's emerged that night and there were smiles and cigars about.

So I know I haven't posted much in awhile. Just many other things to do. But I have kept up with the games. You could say the Braves are on a roll, winning the last six out of eight, but have lost two straight at home. So far on this current homestand, the Braves have swept both the Philadelphia Phillies and NY Mets, three games each, but have dropped the last two to the SF Giants. At 49-41., Braves are still in the hunt for the wildcard, with a better chance this year since Major League Baseball is adding a second wildcard team to the mix of the playoffs. But there is always that one team in the NL East that the Braves just can't surpass. The last five seasons it has been the Phillies, this year it's the Washington Nationals. The Braves close out the homestand today with a business man's special against the Giants, gametime set for 12:10pm. Braves then travel to our Nation's Capital for a weekend series with the Nationals. Maybe the Braves can take that series and gain a little ground on Washington.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

It's our birthday...

2012-07-03T08:55:00.002-04:00

Photo made possible by America

Well it's that time again where this awesome country that I live in celebrates another birthday. It's hard for me to believe how far we have come in America. And that statement isn't we have come far in a good way. We as a nation that was founded under God has taken many steps back. I can remember growing up where waving an American Flag meant you are a proud American. But nowadays, it strikes up controversy. I remember the times when the words "One Country Under God" meant, oh, you must live in America, that's a great country. Nowadays, people want to take God out of everything.

I recall every year about this time how proud I am when I hear Lee Greenwood's song "Proud to Be an American." We just sang that song this past Sunday in church, and what an awesome feeling it was to sing those words. Just remembering the Casting Crowns song "Courageous" sends chills up my spine. It's time that we as Americans stand up for what's right. And what's right is God, Family, and Country. My wife and I just had a baby girl a little over five months ago, and I can't help but look into her eyes and see the joy that she brings to me, and the comfort and peace of knowing that my wife and I are raising her in America. I as her father will remind her often the three F's that she needs to remember throughout life. FAITH, FAMILY, and FREEDOM. And if she remembers that throughout her lifetime, she will be just okay. And it's time that father's of this country take their families back, and stand up for what's right, and be the leaders of their households. And that ultimately will make this country so much better overall.

So as we celebrate our freedom this week, lets just take a moment and reflect on how thankful we are that we can awake every morning knowing that we live in the greatest country in the world. And that many men and women sacrifice their lives so we have that opportunity. We are AMERICA, and we are AMERICANS. Happy 236 AMERICA!!!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Step in the correct direction for college football...

2012-06-27T09:18:00.001-04:00

BCS logo from 2010-present/ photo: wikipedia

So now college football fans can breathe a sigh of relief as 11 conference commissioners from around college football met in Washington DC yesterday and voted to change the entire BCS system that's been in effect since 1998. They took into account what college basketball, college baseball, and all the other pro sports actually do. So instead of all the controversy about who is really number one at the end of the season, the vote was passed to play a four team playoff system that will begin with the 2014 season and run until 2025. The only question is who will determine who plays. Hopefully the play on the field will determine the four teams that play, and not the awful computer system known as the BCS that picked in years past.

The four major bowls, Rose, Fiesta, Sugar, and Orange will be used as the semi finals, and rotate from year to year. The semi finals will be played on New Years Eve and New Years Day, with the Championship Bowl being played on 'Championship Monday,' the first Monday in January or the Monday at least six or more days after the last semi final game is complete. Just like any other playoff, the number one seed will play the number four, and two will play three.

The excitement will finally be back with college football. If you want to be number one, now you have to play and earn it. In my opinion, and I know my opinion doesn't count in all of this. But this four team playoff is perfect. You have to earn it to get those four sports. Since football is such a violent and cruel sport, playing two games to earn the national spotlight won't be too draining on the body. College football couldn't do what college basketball or college baseball does with their playoff season, again too many games played for that too happen and too demanding on the body. So come the 2014 season, I can already see Vegas lighting up as it gets ready for the new playoff system.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Mini Camp kicks off...

2012-06-19T09:34:00.004-04:00

Well, it's one step closer to the season starting with the first preseason game versus Baltimore at the Ga Dome on August 9, and the regular season opener at Kansas City on September 9. Today kicks off Atlanta Falcons mini camp. All practices are open to the public free of charge, except for morning walkthroughs. See schedule times below.

All practices are held at the Falcons practice facilities at team headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga. At these practices, the team will be focusing on beefing up the drills at a faster pace as the completion of the new playbooks (offense/defense) are installed. This will be the first time that the coaches will be able to evaluate the team as a whole. OTA's (organized team activities) were mainly optional and for the rookies. The rookies will now be put to the test to play with the veterans to see how they adjust to the faster pace.

There is much more to mini camp than what you might see on the field. It's study time. Yes, players are on their own when they are home to look over the playbook and study the plays. But when the players are not on the field, they are in the classroom going over different schemes with the coaches to get better acclimated with the plays. It's on thing to learn the play in the classroom, then turn around and run that same play on the field. A lot of the learning process is on the field because that's where they plays are run.

Here is a list of practices and times. (Courtesy atlantafalcons.com)
Tuesday, June 19

Walkthrough 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. (Open to the public; Gates open at 2:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, June 20

Walkthrough 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. (Open to the public; Gates open at 2:30 p.m.)

Thursday, June 21

Practice 10:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. (Open to the public; Gates open at 9:30 a.m.)

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

'Take Your Eye Off the Ball"...

2012-06-14T16:01:00.003-04:00

Photo: www.patkirwan.com

Okay, so I know this isn't much to share. But I listen to Sirius NFL Radio a lot. And former NFL Scout Pat Kirwan, who is one of the hosts of "Movin the Chains" on SiriusXM, has written a book (pictured left) entitled Take Your Eye off the Ball. Listening to the radio it never really occurred to me what he was meaning by this phrase until just recently. Whenever I watch the game, I always follow the ball from the QB to whomever he is handing it off or throwing it too. But if you read closely to the title again, he wants you to not watch the ball. For all those non football fans, there are 22 players on the field at one time, 11 on each side (offense/defense). Unlike baseball or basketball where one player can take over the game and win the game by himself alone, it doesn't work that way in football. All 11 guys have to be in sync with the other and know what the others are doing for the play to be run efficiently. So if one player is off, it messes the entire play up. On a football team, players work together as a family, they stick together to get the job done, and have each other's back. Just like a real family member would do for another family member. So I just downloaded this book to my iphone. And without having started reading this book yet, this is what I might think parts of the book might be about. Take a closer look at the other players to watch what they do to make each play work to its fullest. So I'm going to start reading this book, and when football season starts, I'm going to see if I can follow the game by 'taking my eye off the ball."

I will post more updates as I continue reading the book.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Atlanta teams having similar paths...

2012-06-14T09:25:00.000-04:00

Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez: photo Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

If you paid attention to the Atlanta Falcons season last year, and if you are now keeping up with the Atlanta Braves season so far, you might see a similar pattern. The Falcons ended the regular season last year at 10-6, but lost to the now Super Bowl Champs New York football Giants 2-24 in the opening round of the playoffs. The Atlanta Braves are about a month out from the midseason break (All-Star Game), and yet, have a winning record at 34-29 and tied in the third spot of the NL East with the New York Mets.

But both teams have stayed consistent. Not consistent in a good way, consistent in a bad way. Both teams have played very inconsistently. Lets take the Falcons for example. Last year they would win by a big margin and blow a team out as they did when playing the Indianapolis Colts, and score every time the O had the ball, then turn around beat the Tennessee Titans, but go four or five straight drives and go three and out. Be it they did win, but it was almost like biting fingernails to win the game. Lets go one year farther back. The Falcons play tremendous in the 2011 season, earn first dibs in the playoffs with a home playoff game. And they lay an egg versus the Green Bay Packers, who go on to win the Super Bowl. Could it have been the offensive scheme, in which many players came out and said it was way to predictable. There is not much that the defense has to plan for when they already know , for example, that the opening play for the Falcons is more than likely RB ZMichael Turner up the middle for no gain or a two yard gain. Here's wishing the new offense under Dirk Koetter is fit for the Falcon's roster, and there's a balance in the attack that always has the defense guessing.

New Falcons D Coordinator Mike Nolan (L) and O Coordinator Dirk Koetter (R), along with Head Coach Mike Smith (C): Photo/ Atlanta Journal Constitution

Ok, how about the Atlanta Braves team. Lets start with last year's team. Very good throughout the season, so my guess was there wasn't much change from Bobby Cox to present manager Fredi Gonzalez. Gonzalez uses a lot of Cox's principles and techniques, and was even on Cox's staff as the third base coach a couple years. But with about 31 games left in the regular season, Braves were looking good in the wild card race, up by seven games on the St. Louis Cardinals, and ended up losing the last 20 out of the last 31 games to not make the playoffs, and to watch the Cards take that sport, then end up winning the World Series. And the lack of that consistency has carried over into the 2012 campaign. Yes, they have a winning record, but if you take a closer look at that record, you see an eight game losing streak, then a six game winning streak that gimproved the Braves back to one game behind division leader Washington Nationals. And now the Braves are on a current four game losing streak. The Braves beat the teams they are suppose to beat, but lose to the top teams. Braves will never get over the hump and win the championship again until they become consistent. Losing one or two games here and there is common. But don't go six, seven game losing streak. It was once told to me by my late grandfather that ever baseball team, no matter how bad or good you are, will always win and lose at least 54 games. Doing my research I have found that to be true. If you can find a team that doesn't meet that criteria, I will stand corrected.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley

So Braves, let's get that consistency back for the long stretch for the rest of the season and make the playoffs, and go deep in playoffs, and maybe bring a second World Series trophy back to Atlanta. And to the Atlanta Falcons. I believe that the change in both coordinators that have long histories in the NFL, will bring an upgrade and boost the team to the next level.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

OTA's starting around the league...

2012-06-13T10:46:00.003-04:00

To quote the song from Kenny Chesney, The "Boys of Fall" are gearing up in the early part of summer. Football is cranking it's motor back up again. OTA's or Offseason Training Activities are starting all around the league for all 32 teams, in preparation for the upcoming 2012 campaign. So since the Atlanta Falcons mini camp begins next week, these OTA's are very important. I was reading on the Falcons website the importance of an OTA in preparation for the season, and Atlanta Falcons writer Daniel Cox brought up a great point. This year's OTA session is far more important this year than in years past. Why you might ask? Gone is offensive coach Mike Mularkey, in is Dirk Koetter. Out is defensive coach Brian Van Gorder, in is Mike Nolan. OTA's are very important this year because this year all the guys have to get accustomed with what the new coaches bring, and what they expect from the players. No, they are not game planing, but rather working on footwork, and running drills. Both playbooks will be installed by the end of mini camp next week, and then that's when the players will dig in deep to start learning the new playbook. Another smart idea that was brought up in the article was that Koetter is easing into his playcalling, weaning little from Mularkey's playbook at a time so it's not a big jump into his playbook. I like this idea so it will be easier for the players to learn the new system.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley

The best time of the year is almost upon us. At least in my eyes it's the best time of year. As much as I love baseball, baseball is my pasttime in between football seasons. Football is fast approaching us. So let's start getting excited football fans. I'll keep my blog updated on important happenings during the mini camp session and on into late July training camp.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

Awesome honor....

2012-06-08T12:32:00.000-04:00

John Smoltz salutes the Atlanta fans after throwing 3,000th strikeout from 2008: Photo/ AJC

It's hard to remember how the days were before the Braves turned around their pitching staff. Well, actually it's not really that hard to remember. I remember turning a game on when Braves baseball was the only baseball on TBS, and that was the Braves station. At the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, when you could actually count the number of fans in the stadium. Well, no, not really, but it seemed that way because the team would only draw a couple thousand a game. But those days are long and gone, thanks to an awesome coaching staff and the Braves pitching trio. Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine are already members of the Braves Hall of Fame, and now the last of the trio, John Smoltz, is to be entered in the Braves Hall of Fame tonight at Turner Field, just before the Braves take on the Toronto Blue Jays in interleague action.

So I wonder if the Detroit Tigers regret the trade they made with the Braves back in 1988 when they traded John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for Doyle Alexander. Alexander never really panned out for motown. But the flame thrower Smoltz went on to pitch for 20 years for the team in Dixie where he compiled a record of 210-147 with an era of 3.26. I'm not really going to count the 2009 season where he ended his career with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. And from 2001-2004 he compiled 154 saves as he was moved to closer those years. What's note worthy was his 55 saves in 2002.

As it was with Maddux and Glavine, it is going to be an awesome sight to see the number 29 unveiled down the left field line. Smoltz is the last of the Braves pitching greats that helped turned an organization around from last to first. This also helped turn a city that didn't have a sports identity into a baseball town. Present day, when you think of Atlanta, you think of the Braves. And when you think of Braves baseball, you think of Maddux, Glavine, and SMOLTZ.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.

A lot going on...

2012-05-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

It's been a few weeks since I actually have been able to update my blog. But in reality, there are a lot of things going on, but not a lot for me to compile to put together that hasn't already been drowned by all the media outlets.

Some things good that are going on is the Atlanta Braves still show consistency as they have moved ahead of the Washington Nationals by 1/2 game for first place in the NL East. Braves enter today 24-15 while the Nats are 23-15. Philadelphia still hanging out at the bottom at 20-19. The entire NL East division is pretty strong with all teams having winning records so far. Last night pitcher Brandon Beachy pitched his first complete game shutout of his career, as he only gave up four hits. Beachy is turning into the present day Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Greg Maddux.

In football news, nothing really happening with the Atlanta Falcons. Players are in their offseason workout programs as they get ready for the upcoming season. And according to the Atlanta Falcons, QB Matt Ryan is beefing up for the 2012 campaign. But isn't that what they all say each and every year. And training camp won't get pumped up until late July.

And I don't write a lot about the Atlanta Hawks. NBA seems to be more about the entertainment factor, than a sport in my opinion. The Hawks ended the season as they have the last four seasons, losing in the playoffs just to watch the NBA Finals in the comforts of their homes. The Boston Celtics beat the Hawks four games to one in the first round this year. The Hawks are consistently mediocre, and apparently top management is okay with that. If it was me, I would be very upset and try to make a change for the better. But that's why I write and not manage.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley

Okay, so maybe I did get a pretty good post out of this. Keep checking back for further posts, and don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.