Braves could play two one-game playoffs

By Carroll Rogers

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Braves are planning for the possibility of a one-game playoff Monday at Turner Field, if they finish the regular season in a tie with the Rockies. There's also a scenario where they could have one-game playoffs Monday and Tuesday.

If the Braves finish in a three-way tie with the Phillies and Rockies, they would play Monday to decide the division winner and if they lose, another game Tuesday to decide the wild-card winner.

That would happen if the Braves go 5-1, the Phillies go 1-5 and the Rockies go 3-3.

The Braves would have home-field advantage in both games -- against the Rockies (whom they tied 4-4 head to head) because they have a better record against their division opponents, and the Phillies because the Braves won the season series 10-8.

National League playoffs begin Oct. 7.

General managers voted last year to let head-to-head records determine home-field advantage for one-game playoffs, not coin tosses.

Jones on 20 homers

Chipper Jones needs two home runs to reach 20 for the season and become the first player in major league history to hit 20 or more homers in his first 15 seasons. Babe Ruth didn't do it, nor Hank Aaron or Barry Bonds.

Jones is tied with Eddie Mathews with 14 seasons of 20 or more. He said it's not a big point of emphasis to him, especially given the playoff push the Braves are in.

"The better part of my legacy has already been written," Jones said. "Yeah it's nice to have a couple notches in the belt all to yourself, but it's not going to determine whether I do or don't make it in the Hall of Fame."

Jones said he takes the most pride in his career average, which is .308, and the marks he has as a switch-hitter -- second in career average, third in homers (426).

"When you never have considered yourself a big home-run hitter, you don't really concern yourself with the home-run stuff," Jones said.

Church expectant

Braves right fielder Ryan Church has more to anticipate than a shot at the playoffs. He and his wife, Tina, are expecting the birth of their second child, a daughter, any day now. He left the team from the road last week Wednesday to Saturday, to be with his wife thinking she was headed for labor early. But he's back with the team now. Her due date is Oct. 7, the first day of the playoffs.

Flood relief

The Braves are holding a drive to raise money for Atlanta flood relief. Donations will be collected at Monument Grove every game through Sunday. The Braves are asking for monetary donations, gift cards, hygiene items, school supplies, non-perishable foods and baby items.

Tim Hudson will sign autographs Friday from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at Monument Grove in exchange for book or monetary donations that will go to Clarkdale Elementary in Cobb County.

Fans can bring five new children's books worth at least $4 apiece or $20 for one autograph or 10 new children's books or $40 for two autographs.