The Good, the Bad, and the Orr

The Braves have started to look like they are back on track with 2 wins in a row over the Cubbies. I was at the game on Friday - everytime I looked up Alfonso Soriano was hitting a homer. I had to leave early so I missed out on Pete Orr striking out in the 8th and playing an inning at the hot corner. That game was ugly. The Cubs had 15 hits in the 9-1 beating of the Bravos.

Saturday things looked a bit brighter. I was happy to see former Brave Jason Marquis get abused by the Braves (1.2 IP, 4H, 6R, 2ER, 3BB, 1K).

It looks like Chipper Jones is going to be back on the club this week and John Smoltz will resume his spot in the rotation in Cleveland this weekend.

The Mets have been slumping recently too, so the Braves are 2.5 games back in the standings. In June, The Mets (36-25) are 3-7 and the Braves (35-29) are 4-6.

I realize we are not at the half way point, yet, but here are the NL Wild Card Standings:

1. Arizona Diamondbacks (37-27, .578)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles (35-28, .556)
3. Atlanta Braves (35-29, .547)
4. Philadelphia Phillies (32-31, .508)

Pete Orr (born in Canada) is hitting .196 and has not had a hit since he had 2 on June 1 vs. the Cub (at Wrigley Field). Yunel Escobar (born in Cuba) is hitting .333. There have been a total of 210 players in Major League Baseball who were born in Canada and there have been 153 big leaguers born in Cuba.