National Joke

I've never seen a team so ready to give up. It's scary, but good news for the Braves. That big comeback against the Phils has really given the team a shot in the arm.

Anyway, here are a few things that make me hopeful for '08.

-Andrew's struggles. Yes the fact that our star center fielder is hitting just north of the mendoza line give me hope. As I've said before Andrew's complete inability to hit, his bone jarring swing, and his less than desirable unwillingness to adapt to the situation at the plate make him kriptonite to a rally. And that makes his price tag lower. Take a look at what Torri Hunter is asking for. $70m for 4 years. Andrew won't make that, but he might pull off another deal like his last.

-Diaz for team MVP. When was the last time you saw a platoon player mean as much to a team as Diaz? He's still hitting close to .350 with over 300 ABs. The unfortunate thing is that due to his lack of playing time and pinch hitting duties his peripherals are low. (Hey you try and hit coming off the bench).

-Escobar is my hero. The boy has a talent for being in the right place at the right time, and producing. Rent is a great player, but i'd take similar production and defense for 1/27th his salary. Add in the fact that the $9m we're playing him is only part of his total contract and you have an even bigger bargain.

-Get out your brooms. The braves look for the sweep today but face their nemesis Jason Bergman. He owns the Braves. An ERA of 1.00 with 22ks in 3 starts and 18 innings this year. Ouch. Looking at his overall numbers i wouldn't mind seeing him in a Braves uni next year, if just to not have to face him again...