Open Thread and Noc-A-Homa-Win-A-Lotta: Braves at Mets (8/8)

Today's Starting Pitchers

J. Smoltz Braves vs.  O. Hernandez Mets 10-6 W-L 7-4 3.04 ERA 3.00 122 SO 94 30 BB 42 11 HR 14 vs. Mets -- vs. Braves

Game Time: 7:10pm on and

Lots of news this morning. First off, EXCELLENT game last night. Buddy managed his way through several jams, thanks in large part to several double plays. The bullpen pitched great, and oh yeah, this guy named Francoeur is becoming a really difficult out. Chipper Jones also showed why he loves playing at the stadium he named one of his sons after. But Frenchy is now hitting .310 - that's good enough for 13th in the league. Perhaps I'll do a little "Frenchy fun fact" of my own later today.

As for Braves notes, old man Franco has accepted his minor league assignment and will be playing at both Rome and Myrtle during the rest of the month. I'm looking forward to getting him back when rosters expand.

Sometime around midnight EST last night, Barry Bonds broke Hank's record off Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik. Aaron even broke his silence with what seems like a partly gritted teeth video salute to the new *home run king.

Remember to BLACKOUT THE TED August 14th through 16th!

Don't forget to get your picks in before the game for Nok-A-Homa-Win-A-Lotta (click here to learn how to play and to view the leaderboard); the three categories are (1) Attendance, (2) Pick to Click, and (3) Above and Beyond Pick.