Open Thread and NAHWAL: Andruw Jones at Braves
Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves, Apr 18, 2008 7:35 PM EDT
The prodigal son returns in the form of Andruw Jones, and it is an all too recently-familiar Andruw Jones who is hitting a pitiful .157 and has twice as many strikeouts (16) as hits (8). Will he get booed or will he get cheered -- I really don't know about this one. I think there will be a smattering of both, but more cheers than boos. People in the stands tend to remember the good times with Andruw and most of us probably don't mind that he left. A comparison of our old and new center fielders:
Kotsay hasn't blown anyone's socks off, but he's certainly doing better than the struggling Jones.
Last night John Smoltz was once again the tonic that cures what ails the Braves, and Chipper decided to take the offense and put it on his back. We needed that win, but what we need more than that is the kind of consistent hitting and hitting with runners in scoring position that we saw last night. To that end, Mark Teixeira is still mired in his early season struggle mode. When he emerges from that we should see a completely different and more confident offense.
Tonight we get the bullpen starting. Jeff Bennett is the scheduled starter, but he pitched an inning in a game on Wednesday, so there's no telling how long he'll be able to go. There's also no telling which Jeff Bennett we'll see on the mound. He's allowed at least one run in every appearance where he's gone an inning or longer. I'm guessing we'll see the new Jorge Sosa Campillo at some point in the game -- did you know that he hasn't given up a hit or a walk yet in five innings pitched!
0 recs |
145 comments
Comments
Picks to get the Home Stand Started Right
1, 37,111
2. Chipper
3. A combined effort by 6 pitchers results in a Braves win – but it’s not credited to the starter.
by VegasAces on Apr 18, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 38,668
2. Mark Kotsay
3. Buddy is effective enough to qualify for a win, but the bullpen will blow the save, but the Braves will regain the lead in late innings.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on Apr 18, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 34,672
2. Yunel
3. Andruw is Struck out by three different Braves pitchers
by bgrossbe on Apr 18, 2008 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks.
1. 35,111.
2. Off the ole’ block.
3. Andruw brings the patented “swing-and-a-miss-while-I fall-to-my-knee” back to the ATL.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NAHWAL
1. 36,985
2. Escobar
3. Frenchy gets an outfield assist
by pett-man on Apr 18, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tricky Pick
1.) 38,000
2.) Tex
3.) Androo goes 3-4 at the plate, including a homer and 3 RBIs. Having kept his end of the bargain, Satan collects his soul sometime in the year 2069.
by Chopaholic on Apr 18, 2008 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
Hey, Mark Kotsay has blown my socks off. I know he’s blown the socks off some of the guys on the team, too. I could not be more pleased to date.
Also, Andruw will get a huge ovation. Fans in the ATL tend to be really classy about that kind of thing, especially since we haven’t had that NL West rivalry with the Dodgers in 15 years.
1. 31,392
2. Tex
3. Braves score 4 with 0 HRs.
Section 435 - A Braves blog. From the upper deck at Turner Field.
by 6stringbeliever on Apr 18, 2008 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 32,863
2. Matty
3. Matty breaks out and goes 3-4 with 3 RBIs. Less than 4 calls to the pen by Bobby.
by musicman on Apr 18, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1) 35,001
2) Bennett
3) AJ whiffs 3 times including one where he knocks himself over.
by torchy on Apr 18, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 31,748
2. Chipper
3. Andruw robs Chipper with a diving catch; Chip returns the favor with a backhand stab.
by jc25 on Apr 18, 2008 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pickage
1. 35,353
2. Chipper (duh)
3A. Matt Diaz remembers he’s playing because he can hit…3-for-5
3B. 2 Andruw corkscrew strike outs
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pickin'
1. 35,348
2. Chippa
3. New school Bravos (Yunel and Kotsay) will have more hits than Old school Bravos (Furcal and Jonesy)
by morri029 on Apr 18, 2008 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 33,506
2. Chipper
3. In a stunning turn of events the Dodgers pen will pitch more innings than the Braves pen, not counting Jeff Bennett of course ;P.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 34,789
2. Tex (I’ll keep picking until its true)
3. Andruw goes 0/4 with 4 Ks. (going with the crowd here)
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks.
1. 38,242
2. KJ
3. Two Braves homer.
Catcher's Blog - Braves blog by a huge Braves fan.
by mccannfan on Apr 18, 2008 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
pix
1- 38,517
2- Yunel.
3- Frenchy gets an outfield assist.
by WienerDog on Apr 18, 2008 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 37,373
2. Frenchy
3. KJ scores 2 runs
Bustins
by hippybustins on Apr 18, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 35,628
2. Tex (break out game)
3. Braves win a one run game, 4-3.
by JDMaker1 on Apr 18, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 37,950
2. Jeffy
3. Braves finally win a 1-run game
by rearnold on Apr 18, 2008 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mine
1. 40,249
2. Escobar
3. Frenchy hits 2 doubles and a homer
by secondbass on Apr 18, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1) 39,333
2) Frenchy
3) Frenchy’s turn to homer twice
by Murphy03 on Apr 18, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 36,469
2. Tex
3. Andruw hits into at least two double plays
I remember '95
by dannycco on Apr 18, 2008 5:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 34.556
2. Chipper
3. Carlyle surprises and goes 6 innings,giving up 2 ER and shattering 7 hits….
by Welby24 on Apr 18, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 34,310
2. Chipper
3. Kotsay has a better night with the bat than Andruw
by hbkbraves on Apr 18, 2008 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1) 28,456
2) Escobar
3) Braves pitchers strike out Andruw at least twice
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pick
1. 33,285
2. Tex.
3. Kotsay picks up 2 hits with one being an XBH
by Stook on Apr 18, 2008 6:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 39,350
2. Chipper
3. Both teams combine to score 10+ runs
by jess7 on Apr 18, 2008 7:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No jeff.
Don’t hit people please. Don’t do that.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
but hey!
He got out of it. Now we need Lowe to pitch like Huddy the other night. All high stuff.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ugh
I have no audio on MLB.TV. Anyone else having issues?
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have no audio as well, but not sure if its related…
I have Bright House cable, and since we don’t get Peachtree TV normally, the broadcast the feed for Braves games. When I say feed, that is exactly what it is, almost like a PPV game—no commercials, etc. Usually it has sound, but not tonight. So, I have the radio on and dealing with a 20-30 s lag.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AJ
People cheered AJ… Guess that is good…
Also good for me that he struck-out. 3 more to go so I get my AAB!!!
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHA
near standing ovation for the FAT DUTCHMAN, and he strikes out on 3 pitches. awesome.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Glad to hear the crowd appreciate AJ.
Also, glad to see we didn’t sign him, because the wheels have fallen off completely.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
audio & video...gone
Well I have nothing but FM now. Better than nothing.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh man we better get some runs ASAP
I don’t want to think about us coming from behind.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That a way Heap!
He’s a good one. I’ve always said.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Frenchy!
Another good one. Maybe now Kotsay can show up AJ with a bomb.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm confused.
The breaks are going our way. Did I get stuck in a Twilight Zone episode or something?
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BULLSHIT!
2 infield single RBIs?!? that kicks ass
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell if we get 5 out of Bennett.
I’ll be ecstatic. Especially if they are scoreless.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ew
Peachtree TV is terrible.
BRAVES PLAY HERE~!
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yep
and i just had to deal with another JJ segment. kill me now.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At Least...
Y’all can see it. F-in MLB EI…
by WienerDog on Apr 18, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know...
I’d gladly take a mere $400,000 to strike out every plate appearance for the Dodgers. I’d be a huge monetary upgrade.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hey, my AAB is still going. 0/2 2Ks… just need 2 more!
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
Derek Lowe needs Hampton’s bubble right about now.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GREGOR!
could bobby be thinking “platoon” after tonight?
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that would fix...
Diaz, cuz right now he’s not the Diaz we signed up for.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bennett
well I was hoping that he would get a W.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHY?
Isn’t the game on MLB Extra Innings??? I’m PISSED!!
by WienerDog on Apr 18, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously...
...not a happy camper.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ugh
Time for another day of an overtaxed bullpen. Please let Campillo get 2 or so.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was messed up, we posted at the same time.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glavine
Is going on the DL. Chuck James is pitching tomorrow. Just heard it on the radio.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sweet.
Way to successfully be aggressive for once.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
If he keeps this season up, he’s going to be all over the hall of fame.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you think seriously, think he’s in?
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well.
I was pretty unsure last year, lots of people had him on the bubble. But this year people seem to be saying he’s a lock, which is bizarre. I think if he gets say 3 more productive seasons, and that means nothing like what he’s doing now, he will hit a bunch of milestones that put him in. If he keeps playing like this, shoot it won’t be even a little question.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s in no matter what. Maybe not first ballot. It is hard for me though, because I’m obviously biased. He is a decent player above all, but given that he is one of the best switch-hitters, and been such an integral part of the Braves, I think he has a good chance.
I was thinking about that yesterday. Is Smoltz a HOF? Is Glavine? Maddux? I think they all are, but I’m biased beyond belief.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those three...
Are locks. Maddux is easily one of the best pitchers ever, Glavine has 300 wins and has been good for a long time. Smoltz is the only pitcher with 200+ wins and 150+ saves, plus he’ll hit 3000 Ks this year, which only 16 others have done, all but one of whom are in the HOF.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I can’t see how they are not 1st ballots, pretty much all of them.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the one that isn’t, Bert Blyleven, should be.
by musicman on Apr 19, 2008 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he could reach...
400 HR, and will this season.
1500 RBI
500 doubles
a .300+ average as a switch hitter
a .400+ OBP
and a .530+ Slugging %.
Those are pretty damn good numbers.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also think he has the intangibles. I am a big intangible kind of guy. I don’t think anybody is questioning whether he used ‘roids. I think everybody appreciates his dedication to one team, and his ability to perform in the clutch. I think that goes a long way in the voting beyond numbers, which are important. That is why I think people like Craig Biggio might have a shot, despite putting up numbers that were only good, not super-good.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Convincing numbers...
but he sure deserved the Gold Glove last year…and at age 35 to might have tipped the scales for lots of folks. He’s playing great defense again this year (particularly with the hurting wheels).
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
only bad thing
I’m mildly pissed that I’ll have to go to Cooperstown like 4 times in 5 years.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of funny...
His stated personal goal for the season was to play 150 games…he’s producing like a couple of games/night. And it is beautiful to watch!
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man
I was going to call that too. I should have written it, but no!!!
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The game
is easy for him right now…unbe-frickin-lievable
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 9:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Tex can please stand up now.
I’d appreciate that. If he can back up Chipper this lineup is going to be devastating.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
woah, what just happened?
Can’t see… just hear
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Furcal...AJ
Drippin irony suff right there…Furcal took the worst of that collision with Andruw
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What are the odds
That the two ex-Braves run into each other. Also, running into AJ right now must be like getting run over by a bull.
by Perrinbar on Apr 18, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BC
So, how huge was Bobby’s team meeting yesterday? Think it made a difference or just coincidence that we’re playing better (putting it all together, defense, hitting pitching)?
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cubs
Anybody hear the Reds announcer rip the Cubs’ fans yesterday?
I am not a Cubs fan, but I am a sympathizer. I like to see them do well. I also do not think their fans are that bad. I’ve been to Wrigley and know some fans. Sure, they are the Red Sox of the NL, but I don’t think they’re that obnoxious. However, throwing crap onto the field is pretty inexcusable.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me?
Chipper? Man, incredible.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jesus H. Christ...
... how ON FIRE can a man be?!
WOW!
-sdp-
by sdp on Apr 18, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I uttered...
... a solid “God damn” when that ball left his bat. My goodness.
-sdp-
by sdp on Apr 18, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy shit...
...WHY CAN I NOT WATCH THIS GAME, DAMN YOU EXTRA INNINGS!
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well don’t worry. I am supposed to be able to see it on bright house, but I’ve only got FM radio. I’m pretty pissed too.
by jug on Apr 18, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Majestic
is the way I’d describe Chipper’s 2nd shot to right tonight from the left side…the first was the classic drive to left center from the left side.
by OntheGo on Apr 18, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chipper's left-handed swing...
...might be my favorite part of the baseball season. Just…perfect.
My buddy is a Red Sox fan and has Chipper in our big money fantasy baseball league. But I’ve got Big Papi who isn’t doing too shabby tonight either.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And of course...
...we’re going head-to-head this week, so there is trash talking a-plenty.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW, seriously? thats pretty damn good!
btw, if the season ended today, CHIPPER JONES WOULD WIN THE TRIPLE CROWN. thats so awesome.
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just noticed that...
...I like.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
blah
oh what the fuck, don’t applaud the guy!
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
did you see that?
its back. we’ve got the swagger back. oh hell yeah, it is ON NOW!!!!
by bigjoe on Apr 18, 2008 10:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Andruw's lack of welcome...
I was disappointed by the Braves fans and their need to not give Andruw his due respect. At the beginning when they announced the starters, there may have been 15K in their seats and he received a smattering of applause.
When he came up to bat the first time, he receive a little ovation but nothing that I would label as stupendous. Look you sorry-@$$ Braves fans… it isn’t Andruw’s fault he is not back with the team. They chose not to tender him an offer to remain with the team. For a guy who put in a decade plus of his life to being an Atlanta Brave, that was the best we could put together?
Then, in his 2nd/3rd/4th AB’s, the chorus of boos got ever louder with each plate appearance. Andruw should have been honored for his time there. Was he going to beat us with a 9th inning homer? NO… So why not cheer the man and let him know that no matter what, he can always call Atlanta home.
Crosby The Anti-Gondeee
by crosby on Apr 19, 2008 1:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I would understand...
... the boos if the Braves had negotiated for weeks with Andruw and he turned down the Braves best offer and went out trashing the organization. But, it was entirely the opposite. Andruw has always been gracious in his words to the organization. The Braves had different plans for the future, Andruw wasn’t in them, and so he went a separate way. Why boo him for that? I was totally disappointed with the large portion of Braves fans who were booing him. Pete and Skip were amazed at the booing on radio. I was, too.
Personally, because of his decline at the plate, I’m glad Andruw isn’t a Brave anymore, but I wouldn’t have booed him for anything. He did some incredible things while in the Braves organization and every person in that stadium tonight should have been on his or her feet applauding his service to Braves organization.
I think most average fans just don’t follow the real news or care for the facts. They just hear in passing that Andruw left the Braves and automatically chalk it up to greed. The Braves probably could have ironed out something with him if they had really wanted to—but I don’t think they really wanted to.
-sdp-
by sdp on Apr 19, 2008 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Response from the game
The boos got progressively worse with each Andruw appearance, but the moment he doubled off of Acosta in the 9th, the place erupted with cheers for him. Strange, but they were booing him until he actually did something good. I, among many others were standing for the guy.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on Apr 19, 2008 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NAHWAL Results
Attendance for the game was 38,250. With a guess of 38,242, mccannfan gets two points. We’ve been getting some ridiculously close guesses for attendance this year.
The pick to click was Blanco, getting the start, worth one point, but no one picked him.
Oh, and that Larry guy did pretty good again, two points each to:
VegasAces
jack_d
sdp
jc25
OntheGo
morri029
Perrinbar
Welby24
hbkbraves
jess7
chance13ga
AAB picks, one point each to:
sdp
bigjoe
by gondeee on Apr 19, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gondee...
...my pick to click was Chipper.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 19, 2008 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totals through Friday's game for Week 3 of NAHWAL
morri029 6
hbkbraves 5
jc25 5
mccannfan 4
sdp 4
VegasAces 4
welby24 4
chance13ga 3
jack_d 3
jess7 3
NickATL 3
OntheGo 3
Perrinbar 3
WienerDog 3
rearnold 2
royhobbs 2
secondbass 2
Stook 2
pett-man 2
traphicg 2
10-4 1
Bama_Ben 1
bigjoe 1
brndn 1
hippybustins 1
jug 1
Lizziebeth 1
Murphy03 1
mycr0ft 1
Rain Delay 1
Smoltz’s Beard 1
supesk6 1
Chopaholic 1
JDMaker1 1
dannycco 1
by gondeee on Apr 19, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NAHWAL Season Totals through Friday's game
hbkbraves 14
VegasAces 12
jc25 11
mccannfan 10
sdp 10
chance13ga 10
jess7 10
mycr0ft 10
jug 9
Smoltz’s Beard 9
jack_d 8
secondbass 8
bigjoe 8
brndn 8
morri029 7
supesk6 7
torchy 7
welby24 6
OntheGo 6
Perrinbar 6
Lizziebeth 6
Rain Delay 6
Euruproktos 6
rearnold 5
Stook 5
Murphy03 5
bACEballstud 5
ejruiz 5
yondaime4 5
NickATL 4
WienerDog 4
royhobbs 4
10-4 4
ghos 4
godawgs 4
gondeee 4
gopherbroke 4
GRABtheMIC 4
Bama_Ben 3
17843 3
755aaron 3
RandyRocks 3
pett-man 2
traphicg 2
hippybustins 2
6stringbeliever 2
A49erFan77 2
deepinmetsterritory 2
Gmills 2
jcarp11 2
mvandonsel 2
Something Profound 2
Stephen Webb 2
theangelicdoctor 2
woodywoodsaver 2
zest 2
Chopaholic 1
JDMaker1 1
dannycco 1
atl14yearsschaffer 1
epati 1
JBinATL 1
pcongnu 1
rawleigh 1
RonGantFan 1
Samson 1
subwindow 1
whunt13 1
woogidy 1
by gondeee on Apr 19, 2008 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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