Braves vs Phillies: NOT Do or Die

This weekend in Philly isn’t a make or break series, though some will tell you it is. Surely Kincaid has been downplaying it this week, but should the Phils sweep or take two of three, we’ll never hear the end of it next week.

It does seem like the Phillies do respect the Braves. After going on their recent run, creeping with 2-1/2 games of first place, it would be just like the Braves to get swept this weekend. I just hope they play well, which they often do against the Phils. It would be great to see Uggla have a big series.

As the trade deadline approaches “experts” like Kincaid will once again start saying the Braves need to add a piece to get them over the hump. And once again, I don’t think they do. The Braves could add an arm in the bullpen, but at what cost? Prado will be returning from the DL, Uggla is starting to hit, and Heyward, McLouth, and Shafer are getting back in the swing of things.

Freeman is pretty hot. If he keeps it up, he should be in the ROY competition. The press is still pushing the Nats 2B. His average is below .250, though his HRs and RBIs are up there.

I wouldn’t trade Beachy for Juan Pierre. Would you? Since the Braves don’t have any glaring needs, they should be dealing from strength, and not have to give away the farm. Should Chipper retire, any trade would hopefully bring a decent RH bat.

As always, I’m looking forward to Monday and Tuesday’s All Star festivities…even more so this year with all the Braves that will be there. Still, it’s doubtful I’ll hang onto every moment of the Derby and ASG. Will has gotten me into the ESPYs as well, but I’ll probably have to watch a repeat of that.

The local media is pushing for JJ to start, and his stats might have the edge. Having an all-Braves battery would be something, but I wouldn’t at all be surprised if it doesn’t happen.

Did they make a big deal about Joe Mauer playing first base?

Last night co-worker Dialysis called, asking “did the Braves trade Uggla back to the Marlins?” He was watching the 2008 HR Derby. Minutes later Ceil excitedly texted: “Josh Hamilton has 26 homers, and only has 2 outs!” She fell in the same trap.

This week’s Sports Illustrated has great articles on Yogi Berra, retired seven-footers, the Major League movie, and the 71 Pirates 40th reunion. There’s a photo of Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Vann Lingle Mungo. As a kid, Ceil used to visit with him in SC before he passed away. I’ve been to his grave in Pageland. He was in the line of players behind Lou Gehrig during his “luckiest man” speech.

I’ll probably miss most of the Saturday game…we’re all going to Macon for the day. Tonight we’ll all be at the Hurts for Margaret’s baby shower, with most of the old Super Bowl crowd.