props

Martin Prado, the former Mississippi Brave, may have arrived. At last. Prado, having recently usurped Kelly Johnson as Atlanta’s starting second baseman, was named National League player of the week earlier this week after posting some mighty fine numbers: a .577 average, 8 doubles and 6 RBIs in a week’s time. Prado had the look of a big leaguer when he arrived at Trustmark Park way back in 2005. Then-M-Braves manager Brian Snitker raved about him. But until this season, Prado hasn’t really been given a chance to play regularly for the big Braves. He is now making the most of it. … Kudos also go out to Jonathan Papelbon, the ex-Mississippi State star who was named to the American League All-Star team. Papelbon recently became the Boston Red Sox’s all-time saves leader (with 133 in just three-plus years). He has also become arguably the most feared closer in the game, passing Mariano Rivera for that honor.
P.S. If you haven’t been out to the TeePee to see Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman yet, do it. These guys are good. And they will get better. But they won’t be here long, probably not beyond this season if that long.