The Defining Series

Written by Colin on July 25, 2008 – 5:39 pm

This upcoming series with the Phillies is the defining series of the Braves’ 2008 season.  If we sweep this series, we’re in a position to consider buying and making a push for the postseason.  Unfortunately, the more likely outcome is that the Braves lose the series and are solidified as sellers this year.

Chipper Jones is out.  Mark Teixeira can’t carry the offense by himself.  Blanco continues his inconsistency, and the rest of the outfield offers no help.  Jeff Francoeur was even mentioned in trade rumors today – by the Braves’ official website.

It’s not a good time for the Braves.  Kyle Kendrick (8-4, 4.87 ERA) starts for the Phillies tonight and will take on Jair Jurrjens (9-5, 3.22 ERA), who champions the mound for Atlanta.  Tonight, think about Jurrjens, and pray he works with the precision of a surgeon.  That’s as close as I come to “Spahn and Sain, then pray for rain”.

Remember, pray for Jurrjens, something about surgeons.  This is the last stand, folks.

PS – Tomorrow, Mike Hampton is scheduled to start.  We look forward to seeing Buddy Carlyle on the mound in the first.

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