I just finished a column on where the Braves stand after losing right fielder and surprising leadoff hitter extraordinaire Jason Heyward for possibly the remainder of the regular season.

In short, here it is: B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla can’t be just along for the ride any more.

They have the biggest contracts of any players on the roster but they’re hitting a combined .185. The Braves have endured injuries this season to starting pitcher Tim Hudson and relievers Eric O’Flaherty and Jonny Venters, among others, but they've managed just fine because other pitchers have picked up the slack.

The fact the Braves have managed to post the best record in baseball despite such woeful production from Upton and Uggla has been remarkable. Upton is hitting .091 with runners in scoring position, Uggla .141. For two players with salaries in excess of $13 million, that won’t cut it.

There’s a lot more in the column. Here’s the link.

I’ll now turn the cyber-floor over to you.

What’s your level of confidence that Upton and Uggla (currently on the disabled list after Lasik surgery) can contribute down the stretch? And what's your level of confidence that they will play up to the expectations that were set by their contracts?

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Recent ramblings

-- MyAJC ($): This needs to be wake-up call for Upton and Uggla

-- Blog: Heyward's injury might be worst of all for Braves

-- Blog: On Tony Gonzalez, retirement and camp absence

-- MyAJC ($): Gonzalez, Falcons believe his absence is a non-issue

-- MyAJC ($): Gonzalez, Falcons believe his absence is a non-issue

-- Blog: Braves have to go with the hotter player: Schafer over Upton

-- MyAJC ($): Braves make Nationals look like whiny kids in sandbox

-- Blog: Emory professors rank Falcons' fans 31st

-- MyAJC ($): Nationals' reign was short-lived; Will Braves' reign by longer?

-- Blog: Sports Illustrated ranks Georgia 12 (CBS: Georgia State 126th)

-- Blog: Braves' Chris Johnson tapes his mouth shut

-- MyAJC ($): Braves' Fredi Gonzalez is just enjoying the moment