Fading Braves

It's been a long time, since I've mentioned the Atlanta Braves on this blog. Well, there's a reason. Although I was less than thrilled with the start to their season, I chose to shut up and give 'em some space. Coincidence or not, they caught fire during my self imposed MLB silence and built an 8 game lead in the NL East. But, my Bravos are having issues again. So, maybe it's time to "un-jinx" 'em one more time. Here's the deal...

Atlanta has struggled mightily over the last few weeks. Clutch hits have become non-existent, as the Braves continue to squander away the efforts of a solid pitching staff. First baseman Troy Glaus carried this team, with a Herculean bat in June. Unfortunately, he's starting to portray an image of Superman choking on a kryptonite laced buffet. It's ugly. So dang ugly, that the bat of Glaus has become a .130 (batting average) sized toothpick, with a whittled down slugging percentage of .174 and 3 scrawny hits during his last six games.

Meanwhile, the dastardly Phillies have added ace, Roy Oswalt, to their already solid pitching rotation. After a hard fought victory over the annoying Gnats in Washington, Philadelphia sits just 2.5 games back of Atlanta. It seems like just the other day, the Braves were cruising toward a NL East title. But, it's a long season and a lot has changed, quite rapidly within the division.

Don't get me wrong. It ain't time to panic in Atlanta. But, the recent acquisitions of outfielder Rick Ankiel and RP Kyle Farnsworth will provide little more than a laugh track for Braves opposition. All Star 2B, Martin Prado, is gimpy (day to day) and Atlanta is in dire need of an offensive MVP. Somebody will step up. That's how the script is 'sposed to read, ain't it? I just wonder, who will it be?

Next up for Atlanta is a much needed return to the friendly confines of Turner Field. On Monday night, the Braves will face the meaningless NY Mets at 7:10 ET on ESPN.