Braves Dominate Diamondbacks

Yes, it is a new post. I have been going through a lot for the last couple weeks, but now I should be able to resume posting on a daily basis. A lot has happened during that time, such as old man Julio Franco rejoining the team.

The Braves beat the Diamondbacks today 14-0 and ended their 8 game win streak. Maybe this win will put the Braves back on track?

-Tim Hudson pitched yet another great game. 7 innings, 3 hits and 5 strikeouts. Although I can't figure out why he didn't continue pitching with a shutout and only 80 pitches going into the 8th. With the extra inning games and recent poor bullpen performance, I think it would be best to give the bullpen more rest.

-Andruw Jones hit his 20th home run of the season. He still is hitting poorly, but he's been a lot better than he was a month ago.

-Chipper Jones had 5 rbi tonight. Chipper should be at least mentioned for MVP consideration, because he is having an amazing season (OPS,VORP,RC/27). Top 5 hitter in the NL this year no doubt. The amount of playing time he missed has seriously hurt his chances though.

-I started to doubt Willie Harris, but he still has been impressing me. He scored 4 runs tonight.

-Jeff Francoeur has been playing well lately too. His average is almost at .300.

In other good news, Wil Ledezma has been designated. He was no help for the team. Too bad they basically gave away a potentially good pitcher in Macay McBride for him.

As you may have heard, there has also been a lot of rumors regarding Mark Teixeira. It seems that it is pretty close to being a done deal. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is most likely gone, as well as another top prospect (Andrus?). I'll be sure to post if this trade happens.

I have been actually warming up to the idea for trading Salty. There is really no place for him on the Braves, and he just might not pan out to be a superstar(I think he will). However Teixeira gives you gold glove defense, and .300 avg, .400 obp, .500 + slugging numbers. If the Braves do land him, I would love to see them sign him to an extension. This would be my lineup with him on the Braves.

Harris
Renteria
Chipper
Teixeira
Andruw
Francoeur
McCann
Johnson
Pitcher

or

Johnson
Renteria
Chipper
Teixeira
Andruw
McCann
Francoeur
Diaz
Pitcher

That is a pretty darn good lineup regardless of order. We will see.

The Braves get a day off tomorrow, and will be back home to play the Astros on Tuesday.