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Monday, July 14, 2008
What was the best/worst of the first half?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was great to see the Braves end the first half of the season on such a high note, routing the Padres 12-3 behind another strong outing from Jorge Campillo and the bullpen. Even better, they did it on the road — winning only their third road series of the year.
They went 3-3 on this trip — not bad, considering how they’ve fared away from the Ted this year — but once again, it was feast or famine at the plate. They scored nine-plus runs twice and plated one run or fewer three times.
But the All-Star break is a time to regroup, take stock of where the team stands and give the guys who are banged up some time off.
So let’s talk about this season’s surprises: What’s been your favorite unexpected storyline of the year? The fact that Campillo, Jair Jurrjens and Jo-Jo Reyes (and recently Charlie Morton) stepped up and brought order to the chaos that was the starting rotation? Or that despite all the injuries, the bullpen is third in the NL with a 3.22 ERA? Or maybe Chipper flirting with .400 for so long?
On the other side of things, there was Jeff Francoeur and his horrific struggles at the plate (he’s 5-for-21 since his short stint in Mississippi, but his swings and his approach are promising) and the Braves’ inability to win on the road (they’re 14-32).
What stands out to you about this season? How about around the rest of the Majors? Are the Rays the most shocking thing about this year to you, or is it that the Marlins are five games over .500 at the break?
As for the All-Star Game itself, are you planning to watch Chipper and Brian McCann at Yankee Stadium? I used to really enjoy the Midsummer Classic, but it’s lost some of its luster for me.
Maybe that’s because the rule giving the winning league home-field advantage in the World Series is just asinine. Although, I could be biased since the NL hasn’t won since 1996, when John Smoltz got the win in Chipper’s first All-Star Game.
After the Break
Friday: vs. Washington, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Washington, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday vs. Washington, 1:30, SportSouth
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