Braves Vs Frisco

Here's the skinny on Atlanta Braves baseball...

America's favorite tomahawkers are 72-51 after 123 games. That ain't a bad mark, unless the seemingly flawless Phillies reside within your division. In this case, they do. And that might be a problem. With a 7.5 game lead, Philadelphia has just about locked the division down, en route to claiming another NL East pennant.

Now for the good news... Atlanta created a little breathing room in the race for the NL Wild Card, by taking the first 2 games in a 4 game series vs San Francisco. With a 6 game lead over the champs, tonight's contest could be pivotal for either side. If the Braves can squeak out another victory, the lead expands to 7. If not, it shrinks back to 5 with 39 regular season games remaining.

The first pitch is slated for 7:10, as Jair Jurrjens returns to Atlanta's rotation after spending 15 days on the disabled list with a strained right knee. Dude is 12-4 with an ERA of 2.63 in 2011. Meanwhile, Matt Cain will take the mound for the World Series Champion, San Francisco Giants. Cain has posted a 9-9 record with an ERA of 3.00.

Fish Take Series

Tonight's Turner Field crowd witnessed another game and another poor performance by a Braves starter. Rookie, Brandon Beachy, gave up 3 first inning runs to the Florida Marlins. But, the Atlanta bats provided 4 on the flip side. However, that scrawny azz lead didn't last long. With 2 out in the second inning, an RBI single by Hanley Ramirez tied the score at 4.

In the 3rd inning, Florida's Gaby Sanchez gave the Fish a one run lead, by drilling a solo HR, much to the dismay of every Tomahawk fan in attendance. Reformed Marlin, Dan Uggla, retied the contest at 5, with a round tripper of his own in the bottom of the fourth. And little changed, until the sorry azz seventh inning.

Florida's John Buck RBI singled in Gaby Sanchez and the Fish took the lead 6-5. Unfortunately, this capped tonight's scoring in Atlanta.

After a 5-0 victory in game 1, the Braves just lost an early series against their foes from Gator Country. Although this currently sucks, it's a long season with many games left on the calendar.

Braves fall to .500

The Atlanta Braves were beaten by Washington 6-3 today. Here's a brief glimpse at what transpired...

Tommy Hansen, Atlanta's most talented young pitcher Sucked. Dude gave up 3 earned runs in 4 and 2/3 innings, was consistently behind in the count, and committed an error, which led to Washington's first score.

Braves bats were unable to produce any clutch hitting. Infielder, Brooks Conrad was granted PH duties in the top of the 6th inning. Trailing
4-2, Atlanta had runners on 2nd and 3rd with one scrawny azz out.
Ahead of the count 3-1, Conrad errantly swung and missed at what should have been ball 4. Suddenly facing a 3-2 count, BC went down on strikes. With 2 gone, Martin Prado followed and flied out to end the inning. The Braves really wasted a grand opportunity to creep back into this game.

Washington's Rick Ankiel burned his former team, by driving in 3 runs. His 2 run homer off Tommy Hansen in the 3rd put the Nats up 4-2. As if that wasn't enough, Ankiel sac bunted in another run during the Nats 7th inning.

The Good: Alex Gonzalez and Dan Uggla both hit solo HR for Atlanta. Chipper had an RBI on a 2-5 day at the plate.
The Bad: Leadoff hitter Martin Prado is 0 for 2011.
The Ugly: It's way too early to write anything ugly. I'll save that for later.

Next up... Tim Hudson faces Jordan Zimmerman and the Nats at 1:05 Sunday afternoon.

Braves vs FSU...Click on the title of this post.

Undefeated Braves

Love what I saw from the Braves today. Great starting pitching (Derek Lowe), backed up by solid defense, just enough offense, and a very strong effort from the bullpen. Jason Heyward became the second player to hit home runs in the first 2 at bats of his first two seasons (the other was a New York Met).

For Washington, Livan Hernandez pitched a nice game, giving up just 2 scrawny azz runs. And, at one point he retired 15 straight Braves batters.

Chipper Jones went 2-4 with a double and silent single. Jones also scored the first run of the 2011 MLB season on a Brian McCann one sacker in the first inning. Good win for the Braves and a great way to open up the season.

Braves vs Gnats

Last summer, the Washington Nationals were a lowly club that gave the Braves fits. But, this is a new season. If Atlanta is going to re-emerge as a contender in the NL East, Washington is a team the Braves must handle.

Well, Atlanta is in DC tonight and Livan Hernandez is on the mound for the Nats. April's Rookie of the Month, Jason Heyward tied the game at 2, with a solo HR in the top of the 4th.

Sammy Kawakami (0-4 with a 5.55 ERA) got the start for Atlanta.

Side note: After a miserable 9 game losing streak, the Braves swept Houston at Turner Field, and entered tonight's contest just 3 games back of first place Philadelphia.

Update: The Magic lead Atlanta 33-27 in Orlando. Dwight Howard is causing problems for the Hawks. Meanwhile, the Braves are still tied at 2 with the Nats in DC. There are 2 outs with Jason Heyward (Intentional Walk) on 1st and catcher Brian McCann on 2nd, as Melky Cabrera bats in the 5th.

Who Cares?

This article comes to you via the Who Cares Department at RS Sports (with an assist from ESPN News).

Topic #1: Texas QB Colt McCoy is sporting a Jake Plummer-esque ugly mustache. The Long Horn's offensive linemen forbid him from shaving it. WHO CARES? That nasty looking trash stash can't cover any Texas Tech wide receivers as time expires. And, it ain't able to block any Oklahoma Defensive Linemen. So...WHO CARES?

Topic #2: Tim Tebow cries after losses. We never saw another player in the nation play harder than he did, (following a tearful loss to Ole Miss), in the rest of the 2008 season. We also never saw another team play harder than they (Florida) did the rest of that season. And, God blessed them (Gators) with a national championship. What can I say about that? Corrine Brown, I can say...WHO CARES?

Topic #3: Brett Favre is a Viking. Rumor is, that the Minnesota locker room is divided. And, there seems to be a lot of dissension in the ranks. Allegedly, many Minnesota footballers are adamant about their support for Tarvares Jackson. Meanwhile, others are rallying around Sage Rosenfels. Whatever. Sounds like a typical case of pre-season B.S. banter. So...WHO CARES?

Topic #4: Major League Baseball says that anyone who leaked information regarding failed drug tests in 2003 is breaking the law. WHO CARES? David Ortiz does, but that's besides the point. So...WHO CARES?

Topic #5: The Mets are tankin' it, New York style. Additional fodder, is that ace Johan Santana is out until next year. Like it matters. Their season is already over. So...WHO CARES?

*Click on the title of this post for an additional topic. Here's a hint. It won't help anybody win games, regardless of how many times punted pigskins smack off of it.

By the way, if you enjoyed this article, call 680 the fan and ask them to cue the Mets song. Couldn't find a link to it. But, it would provide a perfect soundtrack for topic #5.

#31 Retired by Braves

It is now official. The number 31 will never be worn again by an Atlanta Brave. In a brief pregame ceremony, the Atlanta Braves retired the jersey of Greg Maddux. The 355 game winner was without a doubt, the best pitcher of his era. During his 11 seasons in Atlanta, Maddux won 194 games, along with 3 consecutive CY Young Awards. When he took the mound, you knew the Braves would win. The only question was, will the other team actually score? Maddux wasn't just great. The man was invincible. As the ceremony ended, he brought the crowd at Turner Field to their feet, saying "Thank you very much. Now, let's beat the Mets...just like old times."

Francouer Returns

As Jeff Francouer arrived at Turner Field this afternoon, he must have felt strange, walking into the visitor's locker room. I don't know what's worse, having to sit in the visiting dugout or having to wear a NY Mets uniform. Probably the latter. (As I'm writing this, Yunel Escobar just launched a BOMB. 1-0 Atlanta). But, a change of sceneray could be a good thing for the former Parkview Panther. (Garrett Anderson just went deep. Back to back HRs for the Braves. 2-0 Atl in 2nd inning). It will be interesting to follow his career with the hated Mets. How many big hits will Francouer deliver against his hometown Atlanta Braves? I hope he does well, just not at Atlanta's expense.

Good luck Jeff and welcome home...sort of.

Braves at Cubs

After a stunning sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves jumped to within 2 games back of the NL East leader. But, the Braves squandered that success, by losing 2 of 3 to the lowly Washington Nationals (24-55) in D.C. The 39-42 Braves must now travel to Wrigley Field. Jair Jurrjens (6-6 2.73 ERA) takes the mound for an Atlanta squad that now finds themselves 4 games back of Philadelphia. In game 1, they will face Belleville, Illinois native Randy Wells. The 27 year old Chicago SP is 3-3 with a 2.43 ERA. First pitch is set for 7:05 eastern on the 4 letter network.

Bullpen costs Hanson and Braves

Atlanta's bullpen squandered a great performance by rookie, Tommy Hanson. Hanson pitched a solid seven innings, allowing just one run on a homer by Adam Dunn. Going into the bottom of the 8th, Bobby Cox handed the ball to the Braves bullpen. Washington erupted for 4 runs, and took a stunning 5-3 lead into the 9th. Atlanta failed to rally, and lost a game they should have won. Tommy Hanson was very impressive on the mound, although his shut out streak of 27 consecutive innings was lost on Dunn's long ball.

Happy 4th of July, ya'll.

Bad Calls Crush Braves

The Atlanta Braves just fell victim to some of the WORST officiating in the history of baseball. With 2 outs and men on 1st and 3rd in the 9th inning, Pittsburgh Pirate Andy LaRoche took strike three. This pitch should have ended the inning, but the bum behind home plate erroneously called it ball 3. LaRoche was granted new life vs Braves reliever Rafael Soriano. Andy drilled a 3-2 pitch up the middle for a 2 run single, that turned out to be the difference in today's game.

The Braves had a potential 9th inning rally cut short, as the umpires blew another call. A single by Kelly Johnson would have brought the tying run to the plate with one out in the Atlanta 9th. But, Johnson was called out at first base. The throw from Adam LaRoche to Matt Capps clearly did not beat Kelly to the bag. Replays showed Johnson touching first base in a perfectly synchronized stride with the Pittsburgh pitcher. A tie is supposed to go to the runner. Unfortunately, the 1B umpire made a horrible call, and ruled the runner out. With 2 gone and all momentum lost, catcher Brian McCann struck out to end the game.

Tough loss for the Braves, who just fell to 29-30 and are now 6 games behind the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies. After a disappointing home stand (4-5), the Braves travel to Baltimore. Friday night's game is scheduled for 7:05 ET, as highly touted rookie, Tommy Hanson (9.00 ERA) will square off against the Orioles' Jason Berken (7.04 ERA). The Braves must put together some wins, or their season could be over before the 4th of July.

Moylan's meltdown

The Atlanta Braves, sparked offensively by former Pirate Nate McLouth (3-5 with a HR), took a 6-3 lead into the 7th inning against Pittsburgh. Then came Peter Moylan and his 5.40 ERA. The Braves reliever gave up 4 hits and allowed 3 earned runs in a very poor performance out of the bullpen. Atlanta had a firm grasp on this game, until Moylan was allowed to put his Australian fingerprints on the baseball. The Braves led 5-1 after 5 innings. Kenshin Kawakami gave up 2 runs in the 6th, but Moylan's 7th inning meltdown cost him a chance to win his 4th game of the season. This one is headed for extra innings, as Chipper Jones just missed a walk off homerun. Rafael Soriano is on the mound for Atlanta.

Blue Jays and Braves Game 2

After a thrilling one to nothing victory on Friday, the Atlanta Braves hope to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. Derek Lowe is on the mound for Atlanta. Chipper Jones (toe) and Yunel Escobar (hip flexor) are not in the Braves lineup. So far, the game is scoreless in the second inning. A one out single by Lind brings Scott Rolen to the plate. But, a double play ball retires the side.

Prado, Francouer, and recent call up Diory Hernandez will bat for Atlanta in the second. I'll be following the action. Look for some updates in the comments section. (As I type this, Prado grounds out. Francouer singles to center. 1 on with 1 out for Hernandez, who hit .355 for the Gwinett Braves. A 5-4-3 double play off the bat of Hernandez ends the inning).

Braves Vs Blue Jays

Kenshin Kawakami faces Roy Halladay. Toronto was sent down in order in the 1st. Garrett Anderson just struck out, as Atlanta has a man on 1B, with Brian McCann at the plate. 0-2 to McCann. Just missed a double down the left field line. The Braves aren't just struggling on the field (20-20), their attendance has been dismal this season. Can't help but notice a LOT of blue seats in the outfield. 1-2 on McCann, as he fouls off a pitch from Halladay. Single by McCann puts runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. Rios almost made a great diving catch. Kelly Johnson strikes out to end the inning. If this game gets interesting, I'll post some updates in the comments section.

Chipper Jones is day to day with a toe injury. I'll also be keeping an eye on game 2 of Orlando vs Cleveland in the NBA playoffs. Speaking of that, I've gotta change channels while Toronto bats. Vernon Wells just grounded out. Hope Kawakami keeps up the good work. Go Braves!

Livin' on the DL

Mike Hampton may be gone, but his legacy remains in Atlanta. The 2009 Braves are suffering from a Hampton-esque disease. It's called life on the DL.
Without starting pitcher, Tim Hudson until August or 2010, the Braves have also suffered other debilitating injuries. Future Hall of Fame players, Tom Glavine and Garrett Anderson (maybe that's a stretch for Anderson. But it sounds good, doesn't it?) have been unable to assist their teammates in 09. Yes, the former Angels outfielder did appear in a handful of games, but Anderson has driven in zero runs for Atlanta. Angst also continues to grow over the absence of All-Star catcher, Brian McCann from the Braves' lineup. The native Georgian is struggling to overcome a sudden vision problem. This situation caught Brian and the Braves by surprise. McCann is trying out some new shades and is expected to participate in a minor leauge rehab performance in the up coming days. However, this issue could require another lasik eye surgery. If so, God only knows how long he'll be sidelined for.
Also on the Braves' DL is starting pitcher Jorge' Campillo. Although the 30 year old from Tijuana has posted an ERA of 5.40, Atlanta needs him back in the rotation. The right hander from Mexico has shown flashes of becoming a solid starter for the Braves. Jorge needs to get healthy and get his career on track. At 30 years of age, his athletic clock is ticking down. (Hit the wrong button. Wasn't ready to publish this article. But since it's out there, I'll keep going).
Chipper Jones has also bounced on and off the DL. When Chipper is in the lineup, the Braves' offense actually has a little punch to it. But, how long can he remain active? Jones has missed substantial parts of the last few seasons. When healthy, Jones is as good as any third baseman in the game. Some would say better. I ain't going there. Hopefully, the Braves can overcome the legacy Mike Hampton left behind. He ain't here and he's pitchin'. Maybe Atlanta can rid itself of the residue from his existence in this town, say a few prayers, and get healthy. I'll light a candle for them.

Go Braves.

Bad News Braves

Don't look now, but the Atlanta Braves are on the cusp of losing...again. Down 6-3 when I started writing this article, Chipper Jones didn't like the verbage. After falling behind in the count 0-2, Larry just drilled a solo shot to right field. Braves are now behind 6-4 in the bottom of the 8th. Casey Kotchman has just grounded out and Jeff Francoeur steps into the box. The former Parkview Panther stuck out swinging to record the second out of the inning. JJ Putz now faces Brandon Jones and his dismal .250 batting average. The recent call up ain't exactly sizzlin' at the plate. However, the youngster just reached base with a single down the left field line. Backup catcher, David Ross is up to bat. In the background, there's a very faint tomahawk chop going on. Reminds me of an FSU's getting stomped, but let's cheer them anyway situation. Not that I care about the 'Noles. I don't. Not at all. Unless, of course they're playing another squad from Florida in college football. Ross strikes out and the Braves are rally-less in the 8th.
Former Brave, Gary Sheffield is now batting with one out in the top of the 9th for NY. It's always refreshing to hear this dude draw boos. The fidgety batter is proving to be a tough out. With 3 balls and 2 strikes, Sheffield takes ball 4. Braves pitcher, Bennett (I don't know who he is either) throws to 1st and Gary is picked off en route to second base. Jose' Reyes immediately followed that play with a single. Very bad throw by Braves catcher David Ross, as Reyes steals second. Jose' represents a big run, if he scores. That could be a dagger in the heart of any 9th inning rally Atlanta hopes to impose. But, you can (in a northern accent)forgetaboutit. Next batter grounds out. Here come the Braves, down two. If the final inning gets interesting, I'll post updates in the comments section. Rookie CF Jordan Schafer leads off for Atlanta.

Sports Tonight

At 7 ET, the Boston Celtics look to even their series at 1 win a piece, as they host Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. The game will be shown on TNT.
109-108 Chicago with 1:54 left.
112-111 Boston with 1:01 left.
115-113 Boston with 20.1 left. Bulls have ball.
115-115 with 12.3 left.

Also airing at 7 ET, the Okland A's travel to NY to battle the Yankees. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. Baseball Tonight follows.

Looking for some NFL conversation? Catch Path to the Draft at 6 PM ET on the NFL Network. If that ain't enough coverage, the four letter network will be airing a SportsCenter Special at 8 PM. The ESPN2 broadcast will take a look the upcoming draft.


At 7 PM ET, the Washington Capitals travel to NY, as they take on the Rangers in game 3 of this eastern conference game. The NHL quarterfinal game will be shown on Vs. At 9:30, the network will broadcast the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks game 3.

How 'bout some CFB coverage? At 8 ET, the NFL Network will be airing the Top 10 Football Factories. This show features universities that produce the most NFL players. How many SEC schools will be highlighted?

Crimson Tide fans can catch a replay of A Day at 6:00 ET on ESPNU.

Following the Bulls Vs Celtics on TNT, you can watch the San Antonio Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 PM ET.

Sports Tonight

In Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are up 79-68 over the Utah Jazz. As I type this, there are less than 2 minutes left in the 3rd Quarter. The game is being played on ABC. Carlos Boozer just hit 2 Free Throws for the Jazz. Update: Lakers 100 Utah 89, with 4:58 left in 4th Quarter. Update: Lakers defeat Jazz, post game news conference to be shown on ESPN News.

At 5:30 ET, the Eastern Conference Playoffs resume, as the Philadelphia 76ers travel to Orlando to beign a best of 7 series against the Magic. The game will be shown on TNT. Update: Orlando wins opening tip, Rafer Alston hits 3, to give Magic early lead. 76ers shooting 1-5 to start game. Magic 7 Philly 2. UPDATE: Philadelphia goes on an 8-0 run to take the lead 16 to 11 in 1st quarter.
2nd Quarter update: Orl 38 Philly 39. Under 5 minutes remaining before Half-Time.
3rd Quarter update: Orl 75 Philly 60. Less than 4 minutes left in 3rd.
4th Quarter update: Orl 84 Philly 73. Donyell Marshall hit a 3 for Philadelphia. A second consecutive 3pt shot by Marshall clanked off the iron. Big miss. 76ers could have cut the lead down to 8. 9 minutes remaining.
South Gwinnett's Lou Williams has scored 10 points for 76ers. UPDATE: Lou Williams strikes again. 17-5 run by 76ers brings them to within 6. Philadelphia's Ratliff fouled by Rashard Lewis. Makes 1 of 2 Free throws. Orl 84 Philly 79. Sixers get a stop. Andre Miller scores. Orl 84 Philly 81. About 6 minutes left in 4th. Now's a good time to tune in and watch the remainder of this game. Lou Williams at the line. Orl 86 Philly 84. Foul on Ratliff. 4 minutes left: D. Marshall 3 cuts lead to 2. 76ers get a rebound and A. Miller ties game on layup. D Howard scores, Iguodala turns ball over. Orlando ball with 2:38 remaining. Orl 93 Philly 91.
Turkolu scores. D Marshall answers. Less than 2 minutes. 3rd foul on Andre Miller puts Howard on line. Misses 1st FT. Makes 2nd. 76ers ball, down 3. Iguodala slams. Orl 96 Philly 95. Philly ball. Blocking foul on Magic. Iguodala shoots 2. Misses BOTH. Great pass by Alston sets up Howard for MONSTEROUS DUNK. 49.1 seconds left, Orl by 3.
Marshall 3 ties game with 34.8 seconds left. 98-98. T.O. Orl. Magic ball. Lewis misses, Miller rebounds. 76ers ball with 12.5 left. 11 seconds on shot clock. TO. Iguodala SCORES. 100-98 76ers with 2.2 seconds left.
Turkoglu misses 3. Philly wins 100-98. Dwight Howard, the MVP candidate from Atlanta, finished with 31 pts, 16 rbd, 2 blocks. South Gwinnett's Lou Williams scored 18 pts for Philadelphia. Next up, HAWKS vs heat. Go HAWKS!


Later, the Atlanta Hawks will host the Miami Heat. Game 1 of this series is scheduled for 8 Eastern. This is the second game of a playoff triple-header, being shown on TNT.
1st Quarter update: M Williams 3 gives Atl early 12-8 lead. Williams has 7 pts already.
Atl 20 Mia 19 with 2:06 left in 1st. End of 1st. Hawks 24 Heat 21.
2nd Quarter update: Hawks 30 heat 24 with 9:20 left in 2nd. Heat ball.
Former gator, Al Horford rejects Wade's shot. Joe Johnson throws alley oop to J Smith. Hawks 33 Heat 27. You will see this highlight on ESPN!
Hawks add 4 more points to lead and go up 37-27. Wade already has 2 fouls. 7:27 till Half.
J Johnson knocks ball from Wade. Wade recovers, but Bibby steals ball. Bibby runs, Bibby falls. Wade (falling out of bounds) saves ball, and somehow J Smith ends up at FT line. One of the sloppiest exchanges in the history of the NBA. You'll see this on a blooper reel. Philips Arena is going crazy. The last two minutes have seen 2 incredible dunks by J Smith, as Atl builds 14 pt lead. Timeout Miami. This one's starting to resemble a track meet. DVR SportsCenter for highlights.
1:14 left in 2nd. 3 by Johnson puts Hawks up by 19. Foul on Bibby puts Wade on line. Crowd boos. Wade makes 1 of 2 FTs. The Heat look TERRIBLE.
End of 2nd Quarter. Atl 59 Heat 39. Hawks dominated 2nd quarter with stellar defense, and Arena rocking points in transition. Josh Smith leads Hawks with 17 points at the half. Wade has 17 for Miami.
3rd Quarter update: Bibby hits 3. Heat still look terrible. Shot clock violation on Miami. Hawks 62 Heat 39. 3rd Foul on Joe Johnson. Haslem (another old gator) hits 2 FTs. 64-41 Atl.
6:45 left in 3rd. Hawks 68 Heat 47. Both teams are comitting too many turnovers.
Horford scores. 70-47 Atl. Bibby steals ball, Johnson scores. 72-47 Hawks. Yes, Miami still looks TERRIBLE!
Hard to believe this is playoff basketball. Hawks 74 Heat 49 with 3:40 left in 3rd.
6-0 run by Miami reduces lead to 19. Still boring to watch this blow out.
End of 3rd. Hawks 76 Heat 57.
4th Quarter update: Anybody else hear crickets chirping?
Dare I say the "T" word one more time? Hawks 82 heat 59. Josh Smith is putting together an impressive highlight reel, as Miami plays un-inspired, lethargic, and just plain embarrassing basketball. It seems as if the Heat's will has been broken. Al Horford's having a good time on the Hawks bench, as he head bobs to Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer."
The Heat have scored just 2 points in the fourth. With 4:28 remaining, it's still Atlanta 82, Miami 59.
Don't look now, but the Heat have scored a quick 5 points. The score... Atlanta 90, Miami 64. OUCH! This one is mercifully coming to an end. Not before another commercial break, though. Finally, Game 1 is over.
The Hawks took command of this game, by outscoring the Heat 35-18 in the second quarter. Miami never recovered. Although I'm an avid Hawks fan, that was painful to watch. Game 2 is Wednesday night. Can Miami rebound from this beatdown?
Josh Smith led the Hawks with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and added 3 assists. Dwayne Wade was held to 19 points (2 in second half).

St. Louis Cardinals at Cubs 8 ET -Game has been postponed.
In other MLB news, the Florida Marlins go to 11-1 with a 7-4 victory over Nats. BREAK UP THE FISH!!

In the final game of TNT's triple-header the New Orleans Hornets travel to Denver, for game 1 of this Western Conference Matchup. The game is scheduled for 10:30 ET.
1st Quarter update: Denver 29, NO 25 after one.
2nd Quarter update: There ain't one. I'm tired.


IndyCar Racing is being shown on Vs. The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach began at 3:30 ET and should last until 6 PM.

If you're looking for some NHL playoff action, keep your television set tuned to Vs. At 7PM ET, the Vancouver Canucks take on the Blues, in St. Louis. Following that game, is Hockey Central from 9:30 to 10:00 PM ET. After the 30 minute recap and highlight show, the San Jose Sharks will be hosting the Anaheim Ducks. I'll be watching NBA playoffs, so don't look for many NHL updates.

Marlins and Braves

Just six games into the young MLB season, the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves are battling for the top spot in the NL East. It's early. Very, very early in the 162 game season of 2009. But, if you're a fan of one of these two franchises, you can't help but feel excited about the future of your team. As a lifelong Braves fan, my main concern is the bullpen. From what I've seen, it appears as if Atlanta has embraced a philosophy that served them best during their 15 year reign as NL East Champs; pitching and defense. Don't get me wrong. There are holes on this roster. Although the starting 5, led by newly acquired ace, Derek Lowe, seems solid, the bullpen ain't as strong. But, if healthy and capable of chewing up innings, the Braves starting rotation could take some heat off their later inning replacements. I guess you could say that the key to Atlanta's success is keeping the relief pitchers fresh. Throughout the latter portion of last season, their over worked bullpen collapsed.

As for the fighting fish from Florida, 2009 might be the year this
squad re-emerges as a NL power. Led by Hanley Ramirez and youngsters, Emilio Bonifacio (3B) and Cameron Maybin (LF), the Marlins could be a serious threat in the NL East. Although others are content to wait until Memorial Day before they analyze records and "jump on bandwagons," I can confidently say that Florida's 5-1 start demands recognition. This is a franchise that knows how to build a contender. The Marlins draft well and trade well, even if it means dealing player(s) the home crowd adores.

On Tuesday night, these two southern rivals begin a three game series at Turner Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 eastern as Javier Vazquez (4.50 ERA) takes the mound for Atlanta. Opposing him will be Marlins pitcher, Chris Volstad, who brings a 1.80 ERA into this contest. On Wednesday night, Atlanta's ace, Derek Lowe takes on Florida's Andrew Miller. Lowe enters the game with an ERA of 0.82 and Miller brings a respectable 3.86 ERA to Turner Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM Eastern. Thursday afternoon at 12:10 ET, Kenshin Kawakami is slated to make his second start for the Braves. The 33 year old import from Japan looks to improve upon an ERA of 4.50. The Marlins will give the ball to 25 year old Anibal Sanchez. The 3 year veteran from Venezuela enters this match up with 5 K's and an impressively untouched ERA of 0.00.

Sporting identical records of 5-1, the Braves and Marlins both hope to make a statement in this series. This is the most exciting match up of the young 2009 season. Championship caliber teams don't win divisions in August, they build upon their foundation for success now! Don't shrug off the importance of this series, regardless of the fact that it will be played in April. The Marlins travel to Atlanta and take on the Braves Tuesday night. Don't miss one pitch!

Yankee Stadium Finale

If you're a fan of MLB, you're probably pretty eager to read something about the end of an era in New York. I am not, and will not insult your intelligence by forcing out an article, when I don't give one censored text about the topic. If you're interested, click the following link to read about Yankee Stadium:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/sports/baseball/23araton.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin

Go Tampa Bay Rays!