One weekend after scoring eight runs in three games in Philadelphia and getting swept in the process, the Atlanta Braves managed five runs in three games against San Diego in losing two of three. They still hold the National League's best record -- the Dodgers just got swept themselves -- but have lost seven of 11. Which could mean nothing. Unless it means something.

We say again: How you get to the postseason doesn't much matter. Case study: The 2006 St. Louis Cardinals lost nine of their final 12 regular-season games, saw a seven-game advantage reduced to a half-game with three to go and were scrambling to find a closer after Jason Isringhausen was lost to injury; they wound up winning the World Series. Given a choice, however, you'd rather be healthy and rested and primed for October than hurting and weary and struggling.

Alas, teams are rarely given that choice. They must play the hand they're dealt as they approach -- switching gambling metaphors here -- the October crap shoot. For the Braves, the bigger issue is that Fredi Gonzalez has to decide if he's going to make Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton, those hitless wonders of increasingly long standing, part of his postseason everyday lineup.

My guess is that he has finally lost faith with Uggla, who wasn't used against the Padres after starting only one of the four games in Miami, and that Upton's playoff participation will hinge on the health of Jason Heyward. If Heyward, who took batting practice for the first time Friday since his jaw was broken, proves he's physically able to play, Gonzalez could well deploy Jordan Schafer as his playoff center fielder, at least against right-handers. But again, that's me guessing.

Tuesday's print column via myajc.com, our premium site:Are the Braves ready for October?