checking back

It’s July 2, a month since the Atlanta Braves’ possible “defining moment,” an adrenaline-pumping victory over the Chicago Cubs. The Braves were 26-25 on June 2, 3 1/2 games out of first in the National League East. Today, as they play first-place Philadelphia, the Braves are 37-40, 3 games out. So, they’ve made up ground … but they haven’t exactly turned the season around. Even with the addition of Nate McLouth, Atlanta continues to struggle at the plate. Former M-Brave Jeff Francoeur, whose clutch ninth-inning homer on June 2 created such cause for optimism, still isn’t producing enough. Former M-Brave Yunel Escobar is still causing distractions. Former M-Braves Tommy Hanson and Martin Prado have helped the cause, but there seems to be so much work left for Atlanta. Dare we check back yet again a month from now?