One day in Atlanta has put me in a sour mood.
It started late Friday night. After the Blue Jays couldn't score a run for Roy Halladay, I went to bed hungry because nothing is open downtown and I refuse to drop $18 on room-service soup.
That's why I over-ordered at breakfast on Saturday. Hungry as I may have been, a double stack of pancakes, bowl of grits and three scrambled eggs was still too much. But I am loath to waste food, so when a ragged-looking gentlemen on the street saw my half-eaten plate and pointed through the window as if to say 'I'll finish that' I was happy to oblige. Unfortunately, when I asked the server for a take-out bag, he responded as if I'd just stolen the tip jar. Never thought I'd have to defend the decision to feed the homeless.
Fine. I'll cheer up with a latte. But wait, Starbucks is closed. Silly me; it's Saturday!
Developments at the ballpark didn't help either. It was wonderful to see Casey Janssen back, even better to see him pitch well. Unfortunately, the Braves' starter pitched and hit well. Derek Lowe's 2-for-3 night at the plate was rather significant in a one-run victory. Sure, the Jays rallied in the ninth, but Rafael Soriano's high cheese ensured Toronto's fifth straight loss.
Once back at the hotel, I set out to find some food. The only place open is Hooters, but I need something more substantial than chicken wings. So it's back to the hotel bar for a Miller Lite and a handful of wasabi nuts. I would have ordered real grub if the kitchen wasn't -- wait for it -- closed.
Question for Chipper Jones: Where can a guy get a slice of pizza around here?
Here's my wish for Sunday: Scott Richmond goes eight innings and scatters three singles. Vernon Wells hits a three-run home run in a blow-out victory. The Red Sox and Yankees both lose, allowing the Jays to increase their division lead. Later that evening, I enjoy a bowl of Italian wedding soup and a plate of gorgonzola gnocchi with a side salad ...
... in Baltimore.
