The fellow much discussed by the Braves on Monday night was Sean Newcomb, optioned back to the team’s research-and-development division in Gwinnett County after an ugly outing in Philadelphia.
And, yet, all I heard in my head was Andrelton Simmons.
For nearly five years, that name – that unique, lyrical name – has been lodged in one of the folds in my brain where I store regrets, resentments and remorse. It’s crowded in there, but Simmons still owns a little corner.
That happens when favorite players get traded. Doesn’t help either when the trade takes on the look of grand larceny.