Well well well we have reached the all star break and minus the whipping the Braves got today You have to be feeling pretty good going into the break.The Braves just lost 2 of 3 to philly but lets break this series down. We got phillys big 3 while we threw Hanson,Beachy, and Lowe.. in 2 of those games Hanson and Beachy went pitch for pitch with Halladay and Lee. Philly missed Hudson & Jurrjens. Big difference facing Huddy and Jair then Brandon and Lowe.. So all in all Im not too upset about losing 2 of 3.
Im glad to hear Craig Kimbrel made the all star team- he defiently is deserving. He leads mlb in saves and strike outs per nine innings. I really will be curious to see how he handles himself in middle of playoff race come september. I'll also keep close eye on Freddie Freeman. Considering we are only 3.5 games behind philly and Uggla and Heyward havent hit squat this season The Braves have to be very hopeful heading into the break. I will say it right now. If Uggla and Heyward and this offense starts to hit the Braves will be the team to be in the National League but if the offense keeps going the way its going then the Braves will have to settle for battling wild card race. This team has the talent offensively they just have to step up and reach there potential. i have faith Uggla will turn his season around second half. I feel more so then any player on the team offensively the weight is on his shoulders. I have been extremly dissappointed with Heyward thus far. He just doesnt seem to have gotten into any type of groove so far. The Braves cant be happy with his 9 HR and 22 rbi output so far.. shoot Eric Hinske has almost done that by himself.
The bullpen has been amazing but I worry about there workout in the second half. The starters are great the problem is they dont go the distance and it puts too much pressure on the bullpen every single night. I like Brandon Beachy but hes not given us more then 5-6 innings every start. The bullpen knows anytime he pitches they are gonna be worked hard. We cant keep using them 3-4 innings a night. They wont have arms come september.
I am really impressed with Nate Mcclouth defensively but offensively Im done with him. I wish the Braves would trade for a good leadoff hitter (Michael Bourne) who could get on and steal bases. Nate is hitting the ball hard but always at someone. Alex Gonzalez defense is as good as it gets but his hitting makes Heyward look like Albert Pujols. I miss Yunel Escobar. I still believe the Braves gave up on him too early. From whatIve read the Braves front office really likes Alex but to me he is a slacker and a whiner and cant hit.
I do belive this team will make playoffs- offensively if we dont step it up we will be lookin up at philly all year but if we get on roll offensively we will be the team to beat. I dont think the Braves can stand to stay pat. I believe getting Prado back will help. But what if Chippers leg doesnt improve? Why not take chance and make a good move to get a hitter or get a leadoff man. Schafer has potential but for the 2011 team I dont think he is the guy to lead for this team. I hope the Braves do something. They arent that far away from being " THE TEAM TO BEAT" but we have got to be agressive and not laid back. All in all Im very hopeful and excited for the second half of the season to begin.. Ill be at the game on friday... GO BRAVES!!
IAM A DIE HARD BRAVES FAN OF 21 YEARS.. HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS OF WHAT I FEEL ABOUT THE ATLANTA BRAVES- PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE!
