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Braves News
Braves Drop Second Game To Phillies, 5-2
Yeah, that was gross. Atlanta has now lost 5 of their last seven, and has been a veritable fountain of youth for the otherwise broken down and not very good Ryan Howard. Sigh. Baseball, man. The Braves will try to avoid the sweep at 12:10 p.m. this afternoon. Roberto Hernandez (aka the man formerly known as Fausto Carmona) goes for the Phils and Aaron Harang goes for Atlanta.
The Braves Bullpen Is Not That Bad
Ben broke down why Atlanta's sudden bullpen struggles are not as bad as they seem. Definitely a good read for anyone who's been concerned about the pen of late (I know I have).
There was only one game in Atlanta's system on Monday, as Gwinnett lost to the Indy Indians. We've got you covered recapping that, and be sure to tune in later today (at 10 a.m.) to recap all of last night's minor league action, including the AA, High-A, and A ball All-Star Games.
Prospect Watch: Groundball Artists
Over at Fangraphs, Nathan Stultz broke down three lesser-known prospects who excel at getting groundballs. Atlanta's own Williams Perez, who started the AA All-Star Game last night, was one of them. An excellent read on one of the Braves' lesser-known prospects.
Around Baseball
Jeff Samardzija Wants Big Money
Cubs' stud pitcher Jeff Samardzija is said to be seeking a big contract, in excess of Homer Bailey's $17 mil/year. Should the Cubs pay their ace? Or should they try and move him? CBS Sports weighs in.
Brewers Release Hilarious "Attack Ads" Against Yadi Molina
In an effort to get their own catcher, Jon Lucroy, to the All-Star game, the Brewers have released a hilarious "attack ad", telling you why you shouldn't vote another Cardinal into the All-Star game. If you're a huge Yadi Molina fan (not actually a Yadi Molina fan) like me, this is definitely quite enjoyable.
Giants Fan Writes Letter to Tigers fans
In case you've been living under a rock lately, Justin Verlander has been awful. Like worst-ERA-in-MLB-in-the-last-30-days awful. Yikes. Well, Giants' fans know this feeling. (see Linceum, Tim and Cain, Matt). So SBN's Grant Brisbee pens a humorous letter on coping with an ace that's suddenly awful.
A's Drew Pomeranz Breaks Hand Punching Chair
Drew Pomeranz, who has been having a nice bounceback season in Oakland (really, who doesn't these days?) just hit the DL for punching a chair. Okay buddy. But never fear, the A's scoop up his replacement for...a dollar? Check out their value menu special.
Keith Olbermann Remembers Tony Gywnn
I've saved the best for last. If you haven't yet seen Keith Olbermann's touching tribute to Tony Gwynn, you should check it out now. By the end of this 5-minute segment, I was choking back tears. A sobering remembrance of one of baseball's best.