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Contrary to what you may believe, the Braves are very much still alive.
Alive for the No. 1 pick in the 2016 Draft, baby. Let's do this.
After reaching .500 with a 42-42 mark on July 7, the Braves are -- pause for dramatic effect -- 12-34. That's a .260 win percentage, which projects to a 42-120 record over a full 162-game season.
Atlanta enters Monday's series against the Marlins with a 54-76 record, which is fifth-worst in MLB. The Marlins and Phillies are currently tied for the worst record (and No. 1 pick) with 52-79 records, while the Rockies are 52-76 and the Reds are 53-76.
As we reach the final month of the season, here's a look at the Braves' schedule:
3 vs. Marlins: It'll be tough to lose these games, but the Rockies series last week proved anything is possible.
4 @ Washington: While we're in full #EmbraceTheTank mode, I'd really like to knock the Preseason World Champions 2012-2015 out of the playoff race. Winning a couple in DC would be nice.
3 @ Philadelphia: Again, it'll be tough to lose these, but the Phillies have played better since the break.
4 vs. Mets: The Mets have everything to play for. This lineup against Harvey, DeGrom, Syndergaard and co. should be amusing.
3 vs. Blue Jays: Nope.
3 vs. Phillies: Big series at home. Could be big for top-seed positioning.
3 @ New York Mets: Nope.
3 @ Miami: Huge series in a ballpark where the Braves have played really well in recent years.
3 vs. Nationals: Let's eliminate those bastards. Uncork the champagne.
3 vs. Cardinals: Best team in baseball record-wise, possibly playing for home field in the playoffs and/or trying to hold off Pittsburgh and Chicago. This could be Yankees-series bad.
Obviously the season hasn't gone well lately, but it's for the best as far as rebuilding goes. Embrace the tank. Here's hoping we can have some fun in September.