RIP Braves

Doubtful. The teams that were 7 or 9 games out on May 6 are the teams that could have been 8 games out on May 7. Only 1 of the teams that were 9 games out of first came back to win the division, so being 8 games out a day later did not improve their chances.

 

The way the Braves have been coming up to bat, it could happen in the 8th.

1stLD-Writethru: Then Renteria flails helplessly at the plate. Bring on the 9th.

 

God forbid. Speculation about acquiring Barry Zito or Dontrelle Willis will begin in tomorrow's NY papers.

 

Lima time will only last for another start until they think Pelfrey is ready. I expect they will give him a shot before going through the trade route. Zito would cost them their 2007 left fielder (Milledge) or Pelfrey, Diaz and maybe someone else. The latter isn't a terrible price to pay, but I wouldn't give up Milledge or move Heilman into the rotation.

 

That's probably more far-fetched than the Braves winning the division. They're seven games out in the wild card race (I know this is ridiculous because, as has already been noted, it's the first week of May) and they are behind nine teams in that particular race.

 

you know what's interesting, though?
The Braves are 4-5 against the Mets this year. Not great, but certainly not horrible. probably should be better if the pitching doesn't implode twice in this series.
they're 5-4 against the NL West, having already faced the Dodgers, Giants, Rockies and Padres in a series each
otherwise
1-4 against the Phillies
1-1 against the Nats and
0-3 against the Brewers

not exactly the cream of the NL crop. don't get me wrong, they should do well against the Marlins and Nats over the next 10. then they've got the d-backs, padres and cubs after that. the braves could turn things around in a big way in the next three weeks. this is probably the most promising portion of the schedule all year...which is why, if they don't show some life between now and the end of the month, I'd say it would be safe to write them off then.

EDIT: I had it wrong earlier. The Braves are 7-5 against the NL West.

 

It's probably worth noting, if it hasn't been already, that 14 of the Braves' 18 losses are by one or two runs.

 

Yep.

It's waaaay too early to start worrying about the Braves not repeating. I won't break a sweat until I see Biff Pocoroba taking BP.

 

Wow, cliche quote as evidence. That sure clinches it. :

 

Evidence of nothing except that the Braves own ace pitcher is just about ready to start his own RIP thread.