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Braves Succumb To Mariners After Big First Inning
Even though Evan Gattis flexed his muscles yet again and helped his team off to a four run lead in the first inning the Braves could not score again after the second inning and dropped their interleague matchup 7-5 to the Seattle Mariners. Gattis, Chris Johnson, and TLS all three had two-hit games, but the pitching staff lost yet another big early lead. The Braves are now 18-13 at home.
Best No. 1 Picks In MLB Draft History
Si.com ranks Chipper Jones as the best No. 1 overall draft pick of all-time in the MLB Draft. They would have caused a riot if they had put Alex Rodriguez number one. The Braves legendary third baseman, who made the playoffs in 12 of his 19 seasons, played the game the right way. He will be a first ballot HOF and he and Mickey Mantle are considered the best two switch hitters of all-time. Chip is followed on the list by Ken Griffey Jr., A-Roids, Joe Mauer, and Darryl Strawberry.
While Jeff Franceour may never amount to the stardom that many thought he would achieve after his rookie season in Atlanta he at least is having fun with his career. This season he has been playing for the Padres Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas and has been called upon six times to be a mop up man out of the bullpen late in games. He is throwing cheddar up to the plate in the low 90's.
While many believe that the Braves basically slapped Tim Hudson in the face offering him just a one year, two million dollar contract after the World Series they still went on to make Huddy some reasonable offers before being turned down. The once Giant killer is now doing wonders out in the Bay area, as he is 6-2 with a 1.75 era. Don't ever forget that Hudson set records at Auburn back in the day with his bat as well.
As of late the Braves have been lacking a solid setup man, but they are soon to be good hands they believe as Jordan Walden is just a few minor league rehabilitation starts away from making his comeback sometime early next week expected. He and Kimbrel had mixed rather well to start the season and his K/9 rate is 13.86 through 12.1 innings pitched.
The All Star game or better known as the "Mid-summer Classic" is always a special event, but it is even better when your favorite players from your favorite team are there. That's why Gattis (4th place for catchers), Freddie Freeman (3rd-1B), Andrelton Simmons (5th-SS), and Justin Upton (7th-OF) need your vote.
TLS Is Just A Rookie, But He's On Fire
Tommy La Stella has already placed together four multi-hit games in just his first seven starts. However, the former Coastal Carolina standout has more to offer than just his bat as he can run and use his range in the infield. The days of Dan Struggla in Atlanta are over.
Mike Minor will try to hold back the Mariners from obtaining their fifth consecutive win in the matinee game today. The team along with the fans would love to see a shutout thrown by the southpaw. He will go up against Hisashi Iwakuma.
LEAGUE NEWS
'Stros Prospect Homers In MLB Debut
Jon Singleton's quote sums it up perfectly, "My heart was racing so fast once I hit home plate. I was still excited, still pumped from the adrenaline." Despite a horrendous start to the game with a pair of K's and errors he was able to launch his first ever home run in the eighth inning in a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The Houston Astros have some top prospects that could help change their franchise one day down the road. Mike Trout exited the game early, but should be just fine.
Zimmerman Makes LF Debut In Nats 7-0 Win
Ryan Zimmerman's days for now of making horrendous plays at third base are over as he has begun his new stint in left field. Money on it that he still isn't close to being above average defender. The Notitudes are 28-28 on the season and in third place in the NL East.