Welcome Shawn Green!
Here is a local young man , who wants to be in L.A. He is a team player, and
it seems as though he has many good years in front of him.  LAst year, SI had
an article about him, and he looked pretty good.   I think he will be a crowd
pleaser as well as an asset to the team, both defensively and on offense.
Now, one new player does not a  winning make, but it is a begining.  Bob Daly
is going to be a winner!

Momel1

Mondy?  Good riddance!!!   The whole team is better off without him!

With Green, we get as much talent as Mondy, we get younger, and we get a
solid citizen.  Malone is close to convincing me he's a genius!!!

I think the trade was great! Mondesi has the potential to be a great player but
it looked like he would never reach his potential while in LA. Mondesi is the
same player as he was his rookie year. He has never improved. He still swings at
the same low and outside pitches. I am tired of hearing reports of Mondesi
showing up to spring training 30 poinds overweight, showing up late to team
meetings, batting practice, and games. The Dodgers deserve to have players to
want to play in LA and who will be proud to be a Dodger. Green will bring some
class back to our team. After an extremely long horrible season I was debating
whether or not to renew my season tickets. Now I cannot wait for the season to
start and to go to as many games as possible. GO DODGERS!!!

Shawn green is 27 yrs old (2 yrs younger then Raul), hit .309 (like .036
better), 42 homers (9 better), and 123 RBI's (24 better) and has a good arm
and a good attitude, let me ask which you'd prefer.  I loved raul as a player
but I respect Green as a player and man so I say BYE raul.

Connie,

     Please change my e-mail address to robvannl@.... Thank you. I
read your stuff all the time. They shouldn't have got rid of Raul.
Later,
Rob
----- Original Message -----
From: <BlueBallsandStrikes@onelist.com>
To: <BlueBallsandStrikes@onelist.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 6:36 AM
Subject: [BlueBallsandStrikes] Digest Number 22


>
> >
> There is 1 message in this issue.
>
>  Topics in today's digest:
>
>       1. Give 'em The Boot!  99/11/10
>            From: N2XFYLS@...
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
___
>
____________________________________________________________________________
___
>
> Message: 1
>    Date: 10 Nov 1999 23:45:15 -0000
>    From: N2XFYLS@...
> Subject: Give 'em The Boot!  99/11/10
>
> So, Mondesi's out and Shawn Green's in... Who is Shawn Green?  No doubt,
Mondesi will have his best year ever either next year or the year after, but
with his attitude this year, I say "Give him the BOOT!" <insert picture of a
boot here.>
>
> What does everybody think?  Please reply to this email with your opinions!
>
> The eBay auction was a success.  I hope some of you were able to view or
bid on the items.  We should have more items in the future.
>
> If you make purchases for books, music, software, or posters online,
please go to Barnes & Noble Online through this link:  <a
href="http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=9993787&bfpage=h">N2
XFYLS'
> Charity link to Barnes & Noble</a>  By going through this link and this
link only (not through www.bn.com), a portion of any purchase you make will
go to the Manny Mota Foundation!
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
___
>
____________________________________________________________________________
___
>
>

shawn green right fielder 42hr 120+ rbis 2nd in al in doubles he is the man

I have the same question.....Who is Shawn Green?  After checking his stats
from last year I now know who Shawn Green is.  He is just another overpaid
ball player that better earn his keep.  $84 million!!??!!  Come on!  He had a
hell of a year last year and I hope he can top that.  He certainly can afford
it this year.  But, I won't miss Raul M though.  He had his time in LA and
now it is time for him to become an All-Star somewhere else.

Always and still a Dodger fan, but starting to question it.
bye for now
doug

So, Mondesi's out and Shawn Green's in... Who is Shawn Green?  No doubt, Mondesi
will have his best year ever either next year or the year after, but with his
attitude this year, I say "Give him the BOOT!" <insert picture of a boot here.>

What does everybody think?  Please reply to this email with your opinions!

The eBay auction was a success.  I hope some of you were able to view or bid on
the items.  We should have more items in the future.

If you make purchases for books, music, software, or posters online, please go
to Barnes & Noble Online through this link:  <a
href="http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=9993787&bfpage=h">N2XFYL\
S'
Charity link to Barnes & Noble</a>  By going through this link and this link
only (not through www.bn.com), a portion of any purchase you make will go to the
Manny Mota Foundation!

Happy Birthday to Eric Karros who turns 32 today (Nov. 4).

Remember, this list is now open and you may reply to it.  All posts will go to
all members if you do so, so please!  Keep it clean!  Feel free to express your
opinions, but there are some young people on this list!

Unless someone wants to help moderate this list or there is enough discussion by
members of this list within the emails, I will probably be phasing Blue Balls &
Strikes out over the next year.  I will keep everyone on the list continue
update you on various items, but I currently have too much on my plate to devote
a lot of time to Blue Balls & Strikes.

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

I understand it has been difficult to locate some of the items up for auction
at E-Bay.  Please search for these item numbers:\

Eric Karros - 185252320
Dante Bichette - 185260263
Raul Mondesi - 185269920
Matt Williams - 185274167
Rey Ordonez - 185278422
Vladimir Guerrero - 185276428
Jerry O'Connell - 185296465
Jenna Elfman - 185280967
Blair Witch Project - 185294032
Dodgers Homeplate 185298869

The baseball stuff is under SPORTS MEMORABILIA/AUTOGRAPHED/BASEBALL.

The movies and tv stuff are mostly under COLLECTIBLES: AUTOGRAPHS:
ENTERTAINMENT: MOVIES / TV

As I predicted, it's Yankees v. Braves in the Series.  Good try, Mets, but
not good enough.  I'm going on a limb and saying Yankees in five!

The E-Bay items should be up today!  Please bid away!

Connie

Hello everyone!

Please keep an eye on the Manny Mota Foundation site at
www.mannymotafoundation.org and E-Bay Auctions at www.ebay.com.  We will be
auctioning off about ten different sports and celebrity items.  All donations
are tax deductible and you will receive a certificate of authenticity with
every item won.

If you have any questions about this, please email me at N2XYFL@...

Connie

Game 1 of the ALCS Finals begins today!  GO BOSTON! :oD

Keep an eye out for upcoming auction items on E-Bay to benefit the Manny Mota
International Foundation.  The auction is scheduled to begin sometime next
week.  There will be several celebrity and sports memorabilia including a
real homeplate signed by the entire 1999 Dodger team and bats from Rey
Ordonez and Raul Mondesi as well as autographed baseballs from Emmy nominated
actress Jenna Elfman, Oscar nominee Ed Norton, comedian Rob Schneider, and
rising star Jerry O'Connell.

Please let your friends and families know!  Do some early Xmas shopping!

All monies gained from these auctions will go directly to the Manny Mota
Foundation.    All Donations are tax-deductible.

Visa, MC, Amex, money orders/cashiers checks are accepted.

Connie

This is what's baseball's all about.  Down to the wire...

I'm actually rooting (sp?) for the Bo Sox to go all the way this year, though
I still don't think they can get past the Yankees in the ALCS.  You never
know, though!  Paul O'Neill is hurt and may not play at all.

Bo Sox have the heart to go all the way and what a game last night!  Troy
O'Leary is sure to be the American League MVP with his grand slam (the first
for Boston in the postseason) in the third inning and then a three run homer
in the 7th to break the 8-8 tie against the Indians after the Indians walked
Nomar Garciaparra.  Kenny Lofton left w/ a dislocated shoulder after he slid
head first into first, colliding w/ Pedro Martinez' foot as Pedro touched the
bag.

Saberhagen lasted two innings and then a relief pitcher came in and then
Pedro Martinez came in for six hitless innings.  That guy is awesome!  Two
days ago, he couldn't pick up the ball (sore back and all) and he took the
mound like he was King of the Castle, Queen of the County.  Of course, the
Dodgers had him at one point and we let him ago.

Same goes for Pedro's older brother, Ramon, a former Dodger ace, who is also
now with the Bo Sox.  He may start a game against the Yankees as the Bo Sox
have worn down their starting pitchers.

In an interview w/ Pedro, Martinez said that he would throw anything, at any
count.  The worst he could do is lose and he's done that before.  "I'm not
that exciting," he said.  Yeah right, the Fox announcers exclaimed, "We've
been watching him for the first three innings of the game and he's not even
in it - he's that exciting!"

Any comments about the NLCS or ALCS games?  Reply to this email!

Did anybody catch last night's ALCS game?  Boston Red Sox v. Cleveland Indians? 
That was just crazy!  Bo Sox won the game with an amazing 23 runs to Indians'
seven.  I think that score was better than some football games on yesterday!

John Valentin smacked to over the Green Monster to gain 7 RBIs to his record.

By doing so, Boston has forced a game 5.  They travel back to Cleveland where
Charles Nagy will go against pitcher Bret Saberhagen.

Should be interesting, but as good a game as either play I'm betting it will
still be New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves and by the grace of God the Yankees
will take the Braves down one more time!

For those of you on AOL, go to your nearest Barnes & Noble and pick up Version
5.0 or download it from AOL.  It allows SEVEN screennames with up to 20
characters per screenname.

Check out www.ontap.com/entertainment for the latest movie reviews.

Upcoming interviews with the cast of The Insider will be available at
www.cinemayhem.com and if you're in So Cal, in the weekly magazine "Campus
Circle."

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

Hello once again, Blue Balls!  I don't even remember if I wrote an issue of BBS
in September... Times seems to fly by these days!

Well, once again, the Boys In Blue did no make it to the postseason.  Let's hope
that this year is not a precursor of years to come, but instead a year where
everybody has gotten all the negative energy out of their systems so they can
begin anew come April 2000.

Opening Day this year was a positive show of the Dodgers' strengths, but it
looks like it went all downhill from there.

Please keep an eye on the Manny Mota International Foundation's offical website
at www.mannymotafoundation.com.  I am setting up an internet auction to be held
in the upcoming months either on E-Bay or Yahoo! Auction.  Pictures from the 8th
Annual Dinner will also be available for view on the site in the upcoming weeks.

As I have been unable to keep up with this list, I am opening up the list to all
members.  You may click on your "reply" button (or send an e-mail to
"BlueBallsandStrikes@onelist.com" and post your comments for all to see. 
REMEMBER!  This is a family show and no profanity and lewd comments.  You will
be warned once about this and if it appears again after the first warning, your
subscription will be terminated.

If you want to stay anonymous, please email me with your comments at
"N2XFYLS@..." and I will post them to the e-zine.

If you wish to unsubscribe to this e-zine, please send an e-mail to
"BlueBallsandStrikes-unsubscribe@onelist.com".

If you have a friend that would like to subscribe, please have them email
"BlueBallsandStrikes-subscribe@onelist.com" or go to onelist.com and sign up
there.

Please check out my articles at www.ontap.com/entertainment.  My upcoming
interviews w/ Jerry O'Connell (Sliders, Stand By Me) and Peter Fonda (Ulee's
Gold, The Limey, Easy Rider) will be on the site soon!

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

Well hello, hello!  It's time for Blue Balls & Strikes!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.  True to the holiday's name,
I spent the day cleaning the house! :oP

Since, I have been the slacker lately and have been quite derelict in my writing
chores, I am thinking of opening up this e-zine in the form of a newlist, where
everyone can make comments on the day's games.  Please email me at
N2XFYLS@... with your comments.  I will let you know if and when this goes
into effect.

I have recently taken on a position as an online freelance writer at OnTap.com,
so my issues of Blue Balls & Strikes will probably be few and far between. 
(Hey, I'm getting paid for the other gig, wouldn't you do the same?)

Thanks to everyone for the support of the Manny Mota Foundation at the Eighth
Annual Awards & Dinner on Saturday, August 28th.  Had a few technical
difficulties, but that was to be expected and the set up was quite beautiful. 
Look for pictures at the site (http://www.mannymotafoundation.org) in the
upcoming weeks.  We are hoping to produce an internet auction in the upcoming
months, so stay tuned for more info on that.

What can I say about the Dodgers that I haven't already said this season? 
Though, it's a relief we're not the only southern California team that has been
in the dumps lately.  Angels manager Terry Collins resigned this weekend and its
owners (The Big Mouse House) is looking to dump the team onto some unsuspecting
wannabe baseball team owners.  "Consolidating" is what they call it.  "Giving
up" is what I call it.


Anyway, Marlins beat the Dodgers 8-6 last night despite a pair of homers from
Raul Mondesi with a grand salami from Mark Kotsay, the first of his career.

There seems to be a lot of turmoil in the Dodger dugout with Devon White wanting
a bigger role, Raul Mondesi being, well, Raul Mondesi, and so on and so forth.

EK got his 31st homer, but it wasn't enough to hook the Marlins.

Did you know that the Dodgers have used 97 different lineups in the 137 games
they've played this season?  I say, put the names in a hat and pick out a
lineup, couldn't be any worse.

Eric Gagne (relative of Greg's?) is to make his major league debut tonight.

That's it for now!

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

99/08/19

Yoo-hoo!  It’s me again!  Another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

Can you believe it?  We won… and we only used one pitcher at that!  Darren
Dreifort showed his stuff off last night to the Marlins, recording his second
shutout and 10th complete game.

It’s been awhile since I last wrote (how many times have we heard that this
season?)  Eric Karros got his first grand slam of his career a couple of weeks
ago and… I FINALLY GOT TO MEET HIM!  :o)  That’s all I’m going to say for fear
I’ll lose my cool… ;oP

It was declared Manny Mota day in Los Angeles yesterday as Manny was honored at
City Hall as well as at Dodger stadium among the fans that love him so.  The
event was to commemorate Manny’s 30 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers as well
as his ongoing support to the community with the Manny Mota International
Foundation (www.mannymotafoundation.org).  Congrats, Manny!

Back to the game…

Todd Hundley belted out two solo homers while Dreifort three his second shutout
in 50 starts allowing the Dodgers to win 7-0 against the Florida Marlins. 
Dreifort didn’t walk a Marlin as he threw 72 of his 102 pitches for strikes.  It
was the first time his parents and wife made it Dodger Stadium in five years,
travelling from Wichita, Kansas to see Dreifort play.  It was also Ma Dreifort’s
birthday last night - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS. D!

Holly homered as well, driving in two runs while Craig Counsell hit two RBIs. 
On fire as of late, Todd Hollandsworth has hit homers in the of the last four
games.

If anybody is interested in attending the Manny Mota Int’l Foundation’s Eighth
Annual Awards Dinner & Banquet, please e-mail me for more info or check out the
site at www.mannymotafoundation.org.  Tickets are $175 per person.  The even
will take place on Saturday, August 28th.

MOVIE REVIEWS OF THE WEEK:  I write reviews for OnTap.com, please check out my
reviews there under the entertainment section.  I write under the screenname of
RielyHaven there.  In short, Bowfinger and The Sixth Sense are must sees and
Runaway Bride is cute, but go for the matinee.

To see a recap of other Dodger games, please go to
http://www.fastball.com/auto/mlb/dodgers/news/

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

STTTEEELLLLAAA!  It's another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

Long time, no see, everyone!  This was originally intended to be a DAILY e-zine,
but unfortunately I haven't had the time to commit to this venture.

Anyway, we're in last place!  Woo-hoo!  Only 13 1/2 games back.  Any chance the
Boys in Blue will dig themselves out of the hole anytime soon.  I think not...

Dodgers have decided to stay in Vero Beach for another year, declining Fort
McDowell Tribal Council's offer to build a spring training facility at the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Reservation in Arizona.  Good call.  Gambling and baseball -
big mistake…

Well, wouldn't you know it, the first time I take a long weekend off, I miss
Eric Karros' appearance at the Manny Mota Fdn. clinics!  Darn it!

Hey, no surprise, but we lost last night to the Astros with pitcher Shane
Reynolds shutting out the Dodgers, 7-0.

Has the trade deadline passed?  We still have EK and Raul, right?  I really have
not been paying attention lately.  I apologize…  Did we trade anybody?

I went white-water rafting that weekend on the American River in Northern
California and have to tell you guys - IT WAS AWESOME!  I highly recommend it to
everyone.  It’s was my first time white-water rafting and I managed to stay in
the boat the entire time without falling out or having to be rescued by
helicopters :::wink, wink::: It was a two-day trip, but my friend and I took an
extra day off to go to Sequoia Nat’l Park.  Simply beautiful, my friends. 
Nature at it’s finest.  I’m sunburned, tanned in some parts, and currently
peeling in others, but it was the best time I’ve had in awhile.  I would
definitely go again.  I shall be posting pictures soon…

Check out my film, video, and book reviews at www.taponline.com.  I write under
the screenname RielyHaven.

REVIEW OF THE WEEK:  GO SEE “THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.”  This highly touted film
was made by a few guys I went to college with.  Make them rich so I can glom off
them and share the wealth!

Benches empty as another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes hits the stands!

What was that on Sunday?  It was just Ka-wazy!  Before we get to that, let's get
the brooms out and raise it up for the Boys in Blue!  A sweep, baby!  How cool
is that?  Plus, I think we're at a season high with a win streak of four! (Oops,
we're not.  The magic number is five from April 27 to May 1.  Take a picture
because this is a Kodak moment.

Okay, so I was at the game on Saturday and we're barely won, but we won.  With
two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers had a couple on when Beltre hit a
single into left center to win the game 2-1.  Shaw got the win.

Dodgers had runners at first and second with one out in the eighth when Davey
Johnson signalled for a double steal.  Hubbard slid into third, but came off the
bag and was called out.  This lead to heated argument with Johnson and the ump.

So, I'm going to have to look up the rule for this one, but how long does the
ball stay live?  Until the ump makes a call?

After the game, the fans were hyped at the prospect of a sweep, but when I got
to my car, it didn't start.  Let me tell you, the parking lot at Dodger Stadium
is a great place to get a date if you're in need of one.  Yowch…

Onto Sunday's game.  All I noticed was that the Dodgers scored in every inning
for the first six innings.  Then Mariners' pitcher Frankie Rodriguez threw
Grudzie some chin music with a high one inside and let the real games begin.  It
looked like a WWF free-for-all when the benches emptied.

Seven guys were ejected, all of who were not playing that day, including coach
Rick Dempsey. Mariners Damaso Marte, Jose Mesa, Jay Buhner (who was on the DL)
and Jose Paniagua were tossed.  Dodgers Todd Hundley was ejected after he
instigated a second bench clearing incident after saying a few choice words to
the Mariners pitcher when he was trying to warm up.  Pedro Borbon and bullpen
coach Rick Dempsey were also tossed.

The last time we had a bench-clearing incident was also an interleague game
against the Anaheim Angels.  I think we were suffering a losing streak then too.
While I never condone violence, I think both teams needed to vent their
frustrations and they certainly did so Sunday.

Hubbard had a career high five RBIs, and went from outfield to catcher when
Hundley was ejected and Peña had to sit out the game from an injury incurred
during the meleé.  Charles Gipson of the Mariners left with a separated
shoulder.

But after all is said and done when more is said than actually done, the Dodgers
took down the Mariners in a outrageous 14-3 victory.  EK, Peña both smacked out
long balls.

It's the All-Star break and we find ourselves 10 games behind San Fran and last
place in the NL West.  So Rick Down, batting coach for the Dodgers said, "Mark
my words, we're going to be in the playoffs this year!" at the Manny Mota
baseball clinic this past Friday.

Rick, I'm holding you to that.

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

It's just a bit inside, it's another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

Hey, look, ma, no hands!  We won one!  How about that?  And thanks in no small
part to me for NOT sacrificing a live chicken... :oD  One Blue Baller mentioned
that if we go back on this losing streak that we should start sacrificing
players...  I hear that! :oD


We won 11-8, my prediction of 8-5 fell short, though another team won 8-5.

Well, not much to tell.  I do have some tix for sale.

Please contact Mel at Momel1@... or LBirken@... or via phone at
818/366-2397.

Tix sold at Face Value.  Both sets of seats are good seats, and the parking is
well-worth it.  It is only a bit more than general admission parking, and MUCH
closer, and with better access in/out!

Left Field Tickets are in Aisle 141, Row O and are $21 each
Right Field Tickets are in Aisle 150, Row A and are $16 each

Parking is $8.65, and is  a good idea, as you know.  It is very close to the
seats, and is available for both Left and Right Field seats.

Monday, July 26th   Reds( beanie babies to kids) 7:10  Left Field $21
Friday, July 30th  D'Backs(hot wheels to kids)7:10  Left Field $21

Sunday, August 1  Diamondbacks    1:10 Right Field    $16

Monday, August 30   Brewers        7:10  Left Field $21
Tuesday, August 31  Brewers          7:10  Right Field  $16

Friday, September 10th  Mets          7:10   Left Field

We will sell 2 or 4 tickets.  All tickets are Face Value!

Have a great weekend!

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

It’s been a long time coming, it’s another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July.

Have a mentioned lately that the Dodgers SUCK?  We’ve lost eight of the last
nine games.  Even the “bra-burning” incident on Saturday didn’t even help our
cause as we lost to the Giants, 9-1.  We’re somewhere around ten games below
.500.  Apparently, a member of the Dodger front office walked around the
clubhouse smoking a huge cigar and blew smoke in every corner of the clubhouse,
saying he was chasing evil spirits.

Well, chants and rituals help if you’re superstitious and who in baseball is
superstititous? :oD  I say sacrifice the live chicken!

Former Dodger pitcher Pedro Astacio pitched a six-hitter, striking out 10,
helping his own cause by singling home the tie-breaking run Tuesday night as the
Rockies beat down the Dodgers, 5-2.

As usual, once players leave Chavez Ravine for a new home they get exponentially
better.  What’s up with that?

If I heard correctly, not one Dodger player (even the $100 million dollar man)
made it to the starting lineup of the 1999 All-Star game at Fenway Park this
year.  Former Dodger catcher Mike Piazza will make his sixth appearance at the
game.

Tripp Cromer was placed on the DL with an irregular heartbeat.  Here’s a guy I
can get behind – he’s likeable and a better than average player, but seems to be
laden with health problems.  Take some ginseng, baby!  I put the “grr” in
Swinger, baby!  Oops, I digress.

Tonight, we play again at the Mile High Stadium.  I’m doing my own chants here
in my “busy” office environment…  I say we win tonight 8-5!

I've redesigned the Manny Mota Int'l Foundation website.  Please check it out at
www.mannymotafoundation.org.

Movie Reviews?  Check my reviews out at www.taponline.com/forums/movie_mania!  I
write under the screenname RielyHaven.  In summation:  Big Daddy-Funny, go see;
The General's Daughter-Intense, good thriller/mystery flick; Wild Wild
West-Mild, Mild at Best - Don't bother, for a better show, watch the original
Wild Wild West reruns on TNT and TBS.

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

Yeh. Yeh. Rah. Rah.  It's another inning of Blue Balls and Strikes.

I apologize for the depressing opening, but that's what I feel like whenever I
turned on the TV to watch a Dodger game.  In fact, it's been so bad, I can
barely get through the highlights on ESPN.

We holding a three game losing streak.  Yeah.  Chan Ho, in his second outing
since his seven-game suspension, managed to throw a pitch inside and break Jim
Leyritz's hand.  Ouch.  Leyritz will be out 4-6 weeks.

The Paads won their sixth straight and a sweep of the Boys In Blue, 2-1 Wed.
night.  Yeah.

Anyway, onward and upward.

<B>SAVE THE DATE:</B> The Eighth Annual Manny Mota Int'l Foundation Awards and
Dinner Auction will be held Aug. 28th.  The site is still under construction
(www.mannymotafoundation.org), but keep an eye out for more details.

While I'm not a Barbie collector, I did get the limited edition of Barbie in the
Dodgers outfit, complete with a real wooden Louisville Slugger and a Wilson
glove.

Check out my movie reviews at http://www.taponline.com/forums/Movie_Mania/

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

Positive thoughts and prayers go out to Larry Dierker, manager of the Houston
Astros as he undergoes brain surgery today.  Dierker suffered a grand mal
seizure on Sunday.  Tests determined that Dierker does not have a brain tumor
but has a condition called an "Arterio Venous Malformation."  AVM is a condition
where a collection of blood vessels become dislodged and cause a seizure. One a
scale of 1-5, with one being the least severe, Dierker is listed with a “one”
severity.

With that, Davey Johnson’s stress levels have gone up as we got pounded by the
Oakland A's this weekend as the A's swept the Dodgers in the three game series
up in Oakland.

The Dodgers are under .500 and the only game they won last week was Towel Night
'99.  I think it had something to do with the blow up doll...

Our pitching staff is not what it once was. It's been pretty depressing to watch
lately.  There really isn’t much more to say about the Dodgers at this point.

Aside from that, we are still trying to set up a group game.  The expected date
for this gathering is Friday, Aug. 27 game vs. the Chicago Cub (PM game). 
Tickets will be in the reserved level @ $13.00. If you're interested, please
email me at N2XFYLS@....

Is everybody okay with this format on onelist.com?

Don’t forget, if you are so inclined to do so, you may unsubscribe from this
list by sending and e-mail to:
BlueBallsandStrikes-unsubscribe@onelist.com.

Please tell your friends about Blue Balls and Strikes!  To subscribe, send an
email to: BlueBallsandStrikes -subscribe@onelist.com.

SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, August 28th will be the Manny Mota Foundation's Eighth
Annual Awards Dinner.  I'm still working on the website, but you can send
comments at www.mannymotafoundation.org.

For more movie reviews, please check out my reviews at Tap Online at
http://www.taponline.com/forums/movie_mania.  My alias is RIELYHAVEN.

Zen and enchantment to all,

Connie

Duck!  It's another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

Two issues in a week, that's just amazing!

Well, I must say, Towel Night ’99 was pretty interesting to say the least. 
First off, there was 3-year old Rex Spjute, who made into The Guiness Book of
World Records as the youngest person to sing the National Anthem at a major
league baseball game.  He was adorable and he could sing, too!  Look for him to
be in the next N’Sync or Backstreet Boys in 2015.

Brown pitched eight innings, but he’s still not worth $100 million…  EY got
robbed of a homer by Rusty Greer in the first inning, but then EK smacked a
three-run homer in the fourth which led the way for a 6-run inning.  But as I
see it, no lead is ever a big enough lead so the Dodgers added an insurance run
to stop a sweep by the Texas Rangers, 7-2.

EK stole his 5th base and the towels were swinging in the stadium along with a
inflatable woman.  That’s the first time I’ve seen something other than the
beach ball float around the stadium.  It was actually pretty hysterical with the
men groping the inflatable doll and dancing with it, but alas the security
guards had to shut the party down (or begin their own) when they confiscating
Ms. Plastic.  There was also the Texas Ranger fan in chap who probably made his
way to West Hollywood after the game… What's this about the streaker the night
before?

Dave Hansen bobbled a foul ball, but later redeemed himself with this fantastic
leaping catch that should make the highlight reel this week.

We noticed the pics on DiamondVision for the Texas Rangers were none too
flattering.  No one was smiling and Ivan Rodriguez’s picture looked quite femine
in nature.

Chan Ho’s been suspended for seven games (he’ll only miss one start, though) and
was fined $3,000.

It’s a travel day today as the team makes it way to Oakland.  It’s the end of
Think Blue Week!

Zen and enchantment to all,

Connie

For Movie Reviews, please check out my column (under RielyHaven) at Tap Online
at http://www.taponline.com/forums/Movie_Mania/

Well, okay, not everybody, but Chan-Ho sure took his Tae-Bo classes to heart
when he tried to do this flying Jackie Chan kick at Tim Belcher this weekend
during the Freeway Series against the Angels.

What's up with that?  Anyway, if you saw the highlights, Tim Belcher got him in
a headlock and proceeded to give him a several good old-fashioned American
pummels and guess what folks?  There begins THINK BLUE WEEK! :oD

Park got thrown out (he gave up a grand slam), but the Dodgers went on to win,
7-4 with a grand slam from Devo.  Park's given up four grand slams this season
(two to Fernando Tatis).  That may be a record.  Statisticians (sp?), check your
books!

Whatever Park has to say in his defense, it seems to me that he's been quite the
anger ball lately.  Breathe, Chan, breathe...

Dodgers lost to the Angels Sunday and lost again to the Rangers last night.  And
so begins the fans Think Blue Week... Oy! :oP

Still looking for help in writing this newsletter.  As you can see, they are few
and far between.

Movie Review of the Week:  NOTTING HILL.  It was funny, it was cute.  I'd even
go see it again.

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

It's been awhile since I've last written an issue of Blue Balls & Strikes...

Still looking for writers to assist me with the list...

I can say I witnessed the disappointing 10-6 loss against the Cards on Friday. 
We got there early for batting practice and to see Mark McGwire take batting
practice is like watching a launching of the space shuttle!  We're talking
stratosphere here.  McGwire hit five balls out of the ball park in batting
practice and hit another one during the game on Saturday.  As if he isn't
already considered one of the "elite," McGwire joined only two others (Mike
Piazza and Willie Stargell) to hit it out of the park at Chavez Ravine...  That
ball went 484 feet - He's just amazing, what can you say?

I noticed Jesse the bat boy is no longer there.  Anybody know where he went to? 
Perhaps off to college, I imagine.  I'm pretty sure that kid had his own fan
club.

Hey Norm!  Saw George Wendt (Cheers) at the game on Friday in the cheap seats! 
He was sitting about four seats away and tossing down the overpriced Cracker
Jack and Darigold Malted...  He wasn't looking to good, let me tell you...

Although we won Saturday, we were not able to win either Friday or Sunday.

Sunday's game was interrupted by a bench-clearing brawl when a fight broke out
in the ninth inning.  Los Angeles rookie Jamie Arnold (he gave up McGwire's
homer out of Dodger Stadium Saturday) slammed a fastball in Dunston's back. 
Dunston rushed the mound.  Of course, they're a team and both benches and
bullpens emptied.  Dunston was ejected.

Off to see Star Bores with Mannequin Skywalker, I mean... Star Wars: Episode One
- The Phantom Menace this week... Will review with the next installment of Blue
Balls & Strikes.

It's over the left field wall - Another issue of Blue Balls & Strikes!

It's almost a sure thing, as right as rain, if Beck comes in for the save, he'll
blow it.  I think I wrote about this at least once every season since I've been
writing this e-zine.  Call it Odelay Volume Three.

Still not a big fan of Todd Hundley anymore, but he did hit the leadoff homer
against Rod Beck in the bottom of the ninth.  It started a two-run rally
including a double from EK.

There was a great interview on ESPN last night on their show "Up Close With"
with Mark Grace of the Cubs.  What is it with me and first baseman? :o)  He was
adorable and quite cute!  Mucho single, too!

The Dodgers are off to St. Louis.  See everyone soon!

Zen and enchantment to all!

Connie

It's going back-back-back-back-back!  It's another issue of Blue Balls &
Strikes!

That's right, knowing that Carlos Perez was the starting pitcher last night was
a sure sign the Dodgers were going to lose.<

And lose they did!  While this is only the fifth loss in 14 games, two players
were hitting for the cycle last night - both on the Chicago Cubs, beating the
Dodgers out 10-5. Sammy Sosa and Jose Hernandez were one single and one triple,
respectively, shy of hitting for the cycle.

Raul Mondesi seems to be on fire with his second straight two-homer game. 
Raaaauuuuul is leading the majors w/ 13 homers.  This puts him on track for 152
homers this season... Just kidding!

Kyle Farnsworth (2-0) got the victory, Perez the loss, but reliever Osuna
probably got the biggest boos when he was credited with four of the five Cub
runs in only a 1/3 of an inning outing.

Some Good Samaritanism on the Dodgers part, Staff Sgt. Andy Ramirez, one of the
three American POWs in Kosovo, thew out the ceremonial first pitch last night. 
Ramirez was also given a LIFETIME pas to games at Dodger Stadium.  Thumbs Up to
the PR Dept. on that one!

Devo sat out again last night due to tightness in his right hamstring.

For current and former Mike Piazza fans, check out this ESPY commercial
featuring Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu in the new Star Wars: The Phantom
Menace).

http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/video/SLJEspy_TFN.mov

Zen and enchantment to all!

C.

When you're sliding into first and you're feeling something burst... It's Blue
Balls & Strikes!

Hello, hello, everyone!  Long time, no see!  It's been awhile, I realize and I
apologize.  I've been pretty hectic with my job and extracurricular duties.

I am trying out this new service (www.onelist.com) so I hope everyone will bear
with me.  It's easier to manage the list as I have over 100 people now
subscribed to it!

I must admit with my current life, I have not been paying close attention to the
Dodgers.  I do know we are a game and half back behind the Giants and that we
still suck royally from time to time.

It was Burbank night at Chavez Ravine and I was there to enjoy it.  The Dodgers
put on a good show with Valdes on the mound.  Seems to me that the players'
favorite music range from either mariachi/salsa music or heavy metal.  Ozzy
Osbourne, EK?  Bleh...

I'm waiting to see if anybody will pull a practical joke on one of the players
and put up Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" as their favorite artist! 
That would be hilarious.

New graphics on DiamondVision.  Fun to look at, but same clip reels - Let's get
some new ones, guys.

Anyway, on w/ the show.  MooOHHNdddeeessi (11) made MVP last night with two
homers, scoring all the runs for the Dodgers, allowing us to win 4-3 against the
Chicago Cubs.

If Mondesi stays calm and portrays the patient hitter that he has been, he'll be
record breaking homerun hitter himself!

Sosa went 0-5.  Valdes made a this great play when the batter smacked a ball
right at him, the ball deflected off his glove, which Ismael caught w/ his bare
hand and threw to get the out at first.

Valdes seemed to be having problems finding the Zone, but still was able to get
his stuff across the plate.

Shaw got the win, but allowed a two-out RBI single to Henry Rodriguez.  There
was a collective "Ugh!" that went through the crowd when the ball went by EY
into right field.  Shaw went on to strike Benito Santiago out.

Hollandsworth was playing last night and I got to say, he is still hitting like
a rookie, swinging at the first pitch, etc. etc.  He was rather disappointing to
watch.  In fact, it was almost painful.

Does anybody want to help out writing Blue Balls & Strikes?  Email me at
N2XFYLS@... and let me know!

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.  I participated in the
Revlon Run/Walk on Saturday (50,000+ strong).  I'm still taking
pledges/donations.  Please make out your checks to "Revlon Run/Walk for Women"
and mail them to my attention at:

K. L. Wang
P. O. Box 18224
Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4224

Trying to set up a group game sometime in July, August, September - any
suggestions?

MOVIE REVIEW OF THE WEEK:  THE MATRIX - Awesome movie!  The special FX are
incredible and the mythology/storyline is quite interesting.  A MUST SEE for all
sci-fi fans.  Keanu Reeves - he's so pretty! :oP

Zen and enchantment for all,

C.