Braves Update and All-Star Picks

The Braves finally look like they are playing as a team after their sweep of the Phillies, but has my opinion changed of the overall direction of their season? Not much. I'll admit, it's hard to write them off, now that they stand just two games out of first place. However, they remain fourth in the division standings, and they will face the MLB-worst Nationals, who have been a thorn in their side, this weekend in Washington. If the Braves take care of business and sweep Washington, maybe I'll begin to warm up, but my diagnosis remains largely unchanged. The Phillies series was impressive. The Braves began to hit with runners in scoring position, Bobby Cox managed more aggressively, the pitching continued to be outstanding, and maybe most important of all, the Braves played with hunger and swagger. If they continue to play that way, then certainly they've got a shot to win the division. However, keep in mind that the Phillies have been playing terrible as of late, and the division is still a weak one. Martin Prado has finally replaced Kelly Johnson as the starting second baseman, but it's unrealistic probably to expect him to continue his hot streak. The platoon of Garret Anderson and Matt Diaz has been playing well lately, but I don't think they are be the long-term solution for this season. The Braves still need an impact power bat to play one of the corner outfield spots, preferably right field, if they expect to seriously compete. All I'm saying is, don't get your hopes up too much. And to get one that would seriously help, they'd have to give up one of their stud prospects or maybe someone on the team that they wouldn't want to lose.

And now my 2009 All-Star Game picks. These are the guys I think deserve it, keeping in mind every team must be represented.


Starters in Bold
National League:
C – Brian McCann – ATL, Yadier Molina – STL
1B – Albert Pujols – STL, Prince Fielder – MIL, Adrian Gonzalez – SD, Lance Berkman – HOU
2B – Chase Utley – PHI, Orlando Hudson – LAD
3B – Pablo Sandoval – SF, David Wright – NYM, Ryan Zimmerman - WAS
SS – Hanley Ramirez – FLA, Miguel Tejada – HOU
OF – Raul Ibanez – PHI, Ryan Braun – MIL, Justin Upton – ARI, Brad Hawpe – COL, Carlos Beltran – NYM, Carlos Lee – HOU, Adam Dunn - WAS
SP – Tim Lincecum – SF, Dan Haren – ARI, Matt Cain – SF, Johnny Cueto – CIN, Jair Jurrjens – ATL, Javier Vazquez – ATL, Zach Duke – PIT, Randy Wells – CHC, Jason Marquis - COL
RP – Johnathan Broxton – LAD, Ryan Franklin – STL, Rafael Soriano – ATL, Heath Bell – SD

American League:
C – Joe Mauer – MIN, AJ Piercynzski - CWS
1B – Justin Morneau – MIN, Kevin Youkillis – BOS, Mark Teixeira – NYY, Russel Branyan – SEA
2B – Aaron Hill – TOR, Ian Kinsler – TEX
3B – Evan Longoria – TB, Brandon Inge – DET
SS – Derek Jeter – NYY, Jason Bartlett – TB, Marco Scutaro – TOR
OF – Jason Bay – BOS, Torii Hunter – LAA, Ichiro – SEA, Johnny Damon – NYY, Ben Zobrist – TB, Adam Jones – BAL, Shin-soo Choo – CLE
SP – Zack Greinke – KC, Roy Halladay – TOR, Edwin Jackson – DET, Felix Hernandez – SEA, Jered Weaver – LAA, Kevin Millwood – TEX, Justin Verlander – DET, Mark Buerhle – CWS, Josh Beckett - BOS
RP – Joe Nathan – MIN, Mariano Rivera – NYY, David Aarsma – SEA, Andrew Bailey - OAK