One run. One stinking run is all the Braves managed to score during their five game losing streak that’s now pushed them into third place in the NL East. The lone run came on a solo homer by Chipper Jones in the middle game of the Tigers series. Outside of that, it’s been four shutouts. And the problems continue because while the Braves have the lead tonight against the Nationals, they’ve only scored one run into the sixth inning.
In looking at the Hardball Times team statistics, the Braves look like a pretty mediocre team. The Braves have a below average offense and average pitching. In fact if you look at a lot of the numbers, the Braves are right at or around the average column, which doesn’t make for a playoff team, it makes for a third place team which is where they’re at.
And then you have the John Smoltz and Chipper Jones bickering. I know the pitchers and hitters are both kind of their own clique but it goes to a whole new level when you’re talking about two future Hall of Famers.
Three against the Nationals may be just what the doctor ordered. The Braves have scored a few more since I’ve been writing and they’re now up 4-0 so hopefully this skid is going to end. The Phillies have the day off so that means the Braves should pick up at least a half game on them. The Mets and Cardinals are tight s that could go either way.
