The Recycle Bin

The Braves lost their home opener to the Pirates in 12 innings, 12-11.  Glavine managed a decent game (5IP, 7H, 1ER, 2BB, 3SO), but he needs to provide some quality starts to protect the middle of the bullpen.  Glavine had a high pitch count (97 pitches), which probably contributed to Cox pulling the plug early.  No point in pushing things two games into the season.

Cox threw the kitchen sink at the Pirates; 8 relievers tried to keep things under control, but Acosta was awful (.2IP, 3H, 4ER, 1BB, 1SO, 2HR).  Boyer ended up being the goat, pitching the final two innings (2IP, 2H, 3ER, 1BB, 3SO, 1HR).  I hope this is not a sign of things to come.  Still early days, so reason to panic.

I am still not sold on Johnson as the leadoff hitter, but as I mentioned yesterday, options are very limited.

The Braves are off today, so everyone gets a rest from my Braves ramblings.

The Falcons now have 6 of the first 98 selections in the 2008 draft. So far, the new Falcons brass has stockpiled 11 picks.

The extra third round pick is a big deal. Hopefully the Falcons can scout well and end up with at least four starters and two quality backups with their first six selections. If two or three of the other five stick, then this will be a great draft.

Last night the Braves wasted a good performance by Hudson (7IP, 3H, 2R, 3K, 0BB), going down 3-2 to the Nationals.  The Braves only collected 5 hits, while the Nationals were limited to 4.  Moylan only gave up a single hit in 1 1-3 innings; unfortunately it was the winning HR to Zimmerman (3B).

I do not think we can learn a lot from the first game, but I think leadoff may be a problem.  Johnson (2B) filled the role last night.  Not sure who else Cox can turn too; maybe Escobar (SS), but he seems better suited to the second slot.  Certainly not Diaz (LF) or Kotsay (C); options are limited.

So tonight we get to watch Glavine’s return at home vs. the Pirates.  Should be a fun one, but I have no idea why Atlanta only stayed in Washington for a single game, return home, and will get Wednesday off.

Tomorrow Atlanta will find out what sort of compensatory pick it will get for the loss of Patrick Kerney.

It appears that Atlanta will probably get either a 3rd round compensation pick, if Marcus Wilkins does NOT count as a “qualified” free agent signing, or a 7th round pick if Marcus Wilkins does count as a qualified free agent.

Obviously an extra 3rd round selection is worth a whole lot more than an extra 7th round pick. The Falcons need draft picks, so hopefully like the coin toss draft tie breaker, the compensatory formula will also go in our favor. Getting an extra 3rd round pick would make the potential for this draft even more bright, while an extra 7th is just a more expensive version of a undrafted free agent.

Friday on the way to work, Peter Gammons was on ESPN Radio predicting the Atlanta Braves to take the NL East and represent the NL in the World Series. Gammons said that the Braves were the most impressive team (in the NL) that he saw this spring, they go six deep in the rotation, and the combination of switch hitters Chipper and Teixeira in the middle of the lineup would be hard for most teams to overcome. He also mentioned the young lineup, top-to-bottom, being better than most teams. Escobar, Kelly Johnson, and Francoeur all were mentioned.

I guess the season and this team snuck up on me. I am probably being very obvious, but for the Braves to stand half a chance, here are my keys to success:

• Smoltz and Hampton have to stay healthy. 14+ wins from Smoltz, and 10+ from Hampton.
• Glavine does not have to be spectacular, but he has to put up quality starts, and needs to manufacture 10 wins.
• Hudson has to be the staff ace.
• Soriano and the bullpen need to be brilliant. Gonzalez needs to come back healthy from the DL.
• The lineup should be solid, but Chipper has to stay healthy.

Hopefully Gammons is right. Go Braves!

Yesterday I noticed that the X button on one of my controllers was sticking.  I got the bright idea that I should take apart the controller, and clean the buttons; figured some trash or sticky gunk would be causing the problem.  I have disassembled plenty of controllers for all manner of systems, but I have never had the opportunity (or reason) to dismantle a Sixaxis controller.

I figured the project only required a few simple tools.  My mini screwdriver set, some isopropyl alcohol, and some q-tips.  I have cleaned plenty of controller and classic game cartridges, and these are all the tools that are needed.

Getting started was difficult; the controller was a pain in the ass to open.  Removing the five tiny screws that hold the two halves of the controller in place was straight forward, but getting the halves to separate was an altogether different experience.  You can imagine the cussing that ensued when a couple of the shoulder buttons “popped” out and onto counter and floor.  Lucky for me, only the left side fell apart.

Once I got the two halves separated, I had to remove one screw that held the top part of the controller casing to the guts of the Sixaxis.  If the outer shell screws were small, this one is about half their size; so supper tiny for lack of a better description.

Once the screw was removed, another small piece fell onto the counter; this time I had no idea where this part belonged.  At first I thought it went around the USB port, but it obviously did not fit.  For now, we will call this “part X.”  This deconstruction project was not going so well.  I just wanted to unstick the X button; instead I had a $50 pile of junk on the kitchen counter.

I was left with an empty shell (the bottom), an empty shell (the top), a circuit board with attached battery, some shoulder button parts, and “part X” which was a little piece that did not obviously belong anywhere.

The next part of the project was fairly simple.  The top shell contains four buttons with a large plastic covering that helps make contact to the circuit board.  The directional pad is one large piece of plastic, with an additional crosshair plastic part, which looks like it helps apply pressure to the large plastic covering that helps make contact with the circuit board.  Not having an engineering degree, I am not sure what the technical names are, but there is a green microfilm layer that looks like it has most of the circuitry (i.e. it is a microfilm overlay for the circuit board).

I put some isopropyl alcohol on some q-tips and proceeded to clean the microfilm overlay.  I carefully removed the plastic coverings for the buttons and directional pad, and cleaned them.  Each button received special attention, was cleaned, and put back in place.  I did notice that the crosshair part that covered the directional pad was missing a small piece of plastic (i.e. it was broken).  This controller has always had a rattle; I assumed it has been broken for a while.  Taking the controller apart required a lot of force, so I assume the broken part flew across the kitchen somewhere, never to be found again.  Well, actually my dog or youngest son will probably find, and both will decide it should be eaten.  Nothing to be done about it now.

With everything debris free and nice and clean, I turned my attention to the left shoulder buttons.  I had three parts in my hand – L1 and L2 buttons, and a part that somehow fit in-between both.  The L2 button was actually a combination metal cylinder rod, plastic part, and button facing.  I had to put all three back together.  The green microfilm overlay somehow fits into the casing that holds the L2 button.  I tried to do some reverse engineering by looking at the right shoulder buttons, with little success.  At first I got the assembly backwards, which prevented the left shoulder button housing from attaching to the controller casing correctly.  After a lot of time and effort I finally had the left shoulder buttons reassembled.

Unfortunately, the L2 button did not work correctly; it should have some give (analog sensitivity), but it just pressed inward.  After more reverse engineering, I noticed that the R2 button had some sort of spring (or wire) that must help with the pressure sensitivity.  I figured I was out of luck, and the missing spring was gone for good, but I noticed it in my small screwdriver set tray.  I was back in business!

After another round of cussing and fussing, I finally had the spring around the metal cylinder rod, and the left shoulder buttons reassembled.  I just do not have the manual dexterity for this type of work, but I was now on the homestretch.

Up to this point the controller had not been on, but as I put the screw in place that holds the circuit board to the top shell, all of a sudden, the controller indicator light started flashing.  It finally settled in on the first controller slot (i.e. Controller Number 1).  Continuing with assembly, I finally figured out that the “part X” must go around the trigger that resets the controller (located on the bottom of the Sixaxis).  More pain and suffering, and I finally had the controller up and working.

Well, not working, but the PS3 was on, but the controller was not.  No matter what button I pressed, I could not get the controller to turn on.  I was surprised that the controller had such a long range; a good 20 yards three rooms and several walls.  I had to take apart the controller again (this time it was easier because I had the process down) and turn “part X” around, reassemble, and try again.

This time everything worked.  I used the controller for some MLB 08 The Show, and the X button was no longer sticking.  As far as I can tell the other buttons are nice and responsive, but I need to play some other games that require extensive use of the shoulder buttons to make sure they were put back together correctly.

So far so good, but I am going to think twice before deconstructing another Sixaxis controller!

I picked up MLB 08 on Good Friday, but just got around to unwrapping the game yesterday.  I played one and a half innings of quick start games.

Braves vs. Royals – everything on default settings.  I only made it through five innings before having to turn the game off to take the family out.  I was done 4-0, and not doing so hot; three singles and no one past second base.  The KC home crowed booed when my big bats came to the plate, and added an extra does of “Larry, Larry, Larrrrrry” to egg on Chipper.

Pirates vs. Braves – moved to the game to rookie (so I suck, sue me), and turned on some of the batting enhancements (i.e. hot zone stuff).  This one turned out better for me.  First, I was able to finish the game.  Second, I won 4-1.  I am not sure if I would call these problems, but I am already tired of the commentary; they got a couple of things wrong.  I had 12 singles; no extra base hits.  That may be because I have not read the manual to see how to advance runners to try to leg out a hit.  I thought the game was set to allow CPU assisted base running; if it is, the AI is not very aggressive.  I accidentally sent a running on an ill advised steal attempt of second base, and I accidentally tried to leg out a triple.  I do not think the hit was recorded as a double; if not, that is another minor bug.

I thought the game had in-game saves; I am sure I read that on one of the tips.  I could not find an option to save my game.  Maybe the feature is only for season mode?  My game displays in 720p, which is odd because the back of the back states the game supports 1080p, and my TV does some beautiful 1080p.  Once again, if there was an option to change the display, I could not find the setting.

After 14 innings I am left with a nice warm fuzzy feeling.  Baseball is back – Braves take on the Nationals tonight on ESPN, in what has to be considered the real opening day (none of that Land of the Rising Sun opening day stuff for me).  The game is incredible deep; I am going to have to at least look at the manual to figure out the controls.  After passing on last year’s Show, I am sure this year’s edition is going to provide me with a summer of fun.

I know, I know. Slacking off on the posting front again. It is the weekend, so it must be blog time. I just found out that there is a second Pinball Hall of Fame for the PSP – Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection.

The first one is one of my all time favorite PSP games, so when I saw this thread at Digital Sportspage, I started shopping to secure my own copy of the game, but alas, good games are hard to find. I did finally track it down via an Amazon affiliate. Will report on this one when my copy arrives.

I found myself watching the first half of the Malaysian Grand Prix thanks to being up at 3AM EST with my youngest son. I love watching Kimi, and while I did not stay up to watch him seal the deal, it was nice to wake up Easter morning to news that Ferrari ran out front.

After reading some race recap news, it looks like Massa threw away a perfectly good race by spinning into the kitty litter

Massa’s mistake will infuriate the Scuderia as the team looked set for a one-two finish with team-mate Kimi Raikkonen claiming an effortless victory.

I will be glad when the show moves on to Bahrain in a couple of weeks so I can watch some F1 at a decent hour. I am curious to see (while I am actually awake and not so groggy) how the removal of traction control affects the drivers. I assume that the new fuel rules (start races with end of qualification fuel levels) will have some affect on race strategy.

Those of you following my airgun trials and tribulations know that I have been looking towards my next purchase for a long time. The Crosman Sierra Pro was a decent gun, but it was not really my cup of tea. While I love my Beeman R7, I need something with some extra oomph for those pesky, hard to kill squirrels.

Over the last few months I narrowed down my selection to three airguns – Beeman R1, Beeman R9 or Benjamin Sheridan Discovery. They each seem to have advantages. The R1 is considered a classic, and packs a great punch. The R9 is comparable to the R1, almost packs the same punch, is lighter, costs considerably less, and is great for tuning. The Discovery looks to be the best way to get into PCP.

It was hard enough to decide on a gun, but what about caliber? .177 shoots flatter, is widely availably, plentiful selection of pellets, and is fairly inexpensive. .20 is a Beeman favorite, contains more energy for taking out pests, but on the downside, the selection for .20 is fairly sparse. Finally, .22 shoots harder, but at distance, pellets are not very flat, and are fairly expensive.

I actually decided on the caliber before I decided on the gun. My R7 is .177, and is perfect for plinking; decent for pest control with a well placed shot. My next gun had to help compensate for my failure to place the perfect shot, which turned my attention towards .20 and .22. In the end, I decided to go with .22 because of the extra power, and I would get a better selection of pellets over the .20.

Back to the guns. I turned my attention squarely on the 2008 version of the Beeman R1 Double Gold in .22. I placed a preorder from the fine folks at Straight Shooters, and now I await my new shiny. Here’s to hoping it comes sooner rather than later.

At some point in time, I think I will still look towards a Beeman R9, probably in .20, to complete my Beeman R series collection. I will also keep an eye on the Discovery, but how many guns can I reasonably own and actually have time to shoot?

After dumping (how else can it be described) DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders for the Raiders’ second round pick (34th overall) and the Raiders’ 2009 fifth round pick, the Falcons have 10 picks in the 2008 draft.

I am not disappointed that the Falcons moved Hall, but I thought they would be able to turn their first round pick from the 2004 draft (eighth overall) into another first, or maybe a second, plus something extra. While the Raiders’ 2009 fifth round pick is something extra, I was expecting a little better trade value. On the positive side, the Falcons are already starting to stockpile picks for the 2009 draft, plus, like moving Warrick Dunn, pushing Hall off the roster frees up $3 million in cap space.

This could shape up to be a great draft. The Falcons have the third overall pick, followed by three second round picks, which gives Atlanta four picks in the top 48. Counting their 3rd round selection, the Falcons *can* land five of the top 68 picks in the 2008 draft. Emphasis on *can* because the Falcons will be in a total state of disrepair for years to come if they muff-up this draft.

Here’s to keeping my fingers crossed that new GM Thomas Dimitroff knows WTF he is doing.

Post has been sparse of late, but yesterday was a Good Friday, tomorrow is Easter, and the weather is great (except for the pollen).  Posting a plenty should ensue shortly.

“Welcome to the Atlanta Falcons season ticket holder family.  This is a letter confirming that you have purchased 4 season tickets for the 2008 Atlanta Falcons season.  By paying your $100 per seat deposit on your credit card today, you have ensured a seat for the upcoming season.”

With that, 4.5+ years on the waiting list is finally over.  In that period of time, I moved, renovated my grandmother’s house, had a third kid, and probably did some other stuff not worth mentioning on this blog.  I am surprised they found me – my email was outdated, my address was wrong, my phone number was old.  Thankfully, my work number was still the same.  I guess that shows that they were desperate to get new season ticket holder blood, and I folded like a lawn chair at the chance to throw down my deposit.

I told the nice lady on the phone that I could only afford the “cheap” seats (something like $250 per ticket), but I am happy that my number finally came up.  Thanks to Vick for running off the faithful and bumping me up on the waiting list.

My time has come.  Color me a Falcon!

OK, throw me on the bandwagon.  I do not really follow college basketball, at least not until it is time for tournament season.  Georgia’s SEC experience should have been one and done.  This year the Bulldogs managed to win four times in SEC play, so I certainly was not expecting much.  Instead, Georgia managed to take out Mississippi 97-95 in OT, followed by back-to-back Saturday wins over Kentucky (64-60) and Mississippi State (64-60).

Georgia was forced to double up on Saturday because a tornado damaged the Georgia Dome, postponing their game, forcing the SEC to move to the bumble bees’ arena (that would be GA Tech for those of you keeping score at home).   Who knew the Bulldogs had it in them to win twice in one day?  Today they followed up Saturday’s minor miracle with a nice with over Arkansas, which propelled the Dawgs to SEC Champs, and surely spoiled the hopes of some poor team sitting on the bubble.

So Georgia makes the NCAA Tournament with a 17-16 record (4-10 SEC), but they equaled their SEC win total in the last four days.  I guess this is why they call it March Madness.

Next up is Xavier, in theory, the top team in the Atlantic 10, but unlike Georgia, they did not win their conference tournament.

Go Dawgs!

It has been kind of a “blah” week or two for blogging and gaming.  I have not played much of anything lately, but plan to get back into Uncharted and purchase MLB 08 The Show (PS3) in the very near future.

Last weekend I did see a couple of great John Wayne movies in HD (I forget the channels).  I was doing some channel surfing and noticed that Charter had added several new HD channels, but still not NFL Network.  The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and Rio Bravo are classics, and even more enjoyable in HD.

Not sure WTF the Falcons are doing picking up Joey Harrington again.  I guess he was cut just to save some salary cap room, but it is not like he is going to compete for the starting job.  I plan to do a Falcons pre-draft off season report fairly soon.  Stay tuned.

ESPN Radio is reporting that the Falcons will trade CB Hall to the Raiders for a 2008 second round pick.  If this is true, it is somewhat disappointing.  I thought Atlanta would be able to pull of a first round pick (this year or next) for Hall, but I guess a second round pick is better than nothing.  That will give the Falcons three second round picks this year.

It’s a good time of year for racing fans.  NASCAR is in full swing, and F1 is starting up.  I fell asleep watching Aussie qualifying last night, not because it was boring, but because I am getting too damn old to stay up late to watch F1.  I guess that means no chance to see the race tonight.

Thankfully SPEED’s coverage of 12 Hours of Sebring is in my sweat spot.  I cannot say that I really understand all the differences between the American Le Mans and other GT endurance racing, but I enjoy watching prototypes and GT classes battling it out on the same track.  The diesel Audi and Peugeot cars look fantastic.  The Ferraris are beautiful and I always pull for Corvette racing (lovely cars).  The Porsches are also nice cars.  I could go on and on.  Watching Sebring while sitting in an oversized chair, drinking a cold one, while getting the baby to sleep is a great way to pass the day.

Next up – more airgun discussion.