The Braves have finished up a .500 west coast trip. It could of been much better had closer Billy Wagner not blown a two run lead to open the trip. However considering how pathetic the bats were on the trip I think it's safe to say we're all letting out a collective sigh of relief. Through 9 games the starting pitching has been marvelous minus the Jurrjens/JoJo Reyes debacle. It's looking like Atlanta will boast one of the major's best pitching staffs for the second consecutive year.
While the pitching continues to sizzle, there is a glaring hole in the leadoff spot. Bobby Cox has already tweaked the lineup using three different leadoff batter in the first 8 games. Braves leadoff hitters so far this season are a combined 2-39 or a (.047) average. That average is the worst in the majors for the leadoff spot. Hopefully we can get that turned around as soon as possibe, as I still think it's too early to come to give up on anyone. That's enough negative for now.
Meanwhile Jason Heyward is lighting up the scoreboard. Thee rook smoked two doubles on the night, both of which resulted in a RBI. The J-Hey-Kid walked once again looking like a savvy vet (is there anything this kid can't do?). Heyward is now 6-8 with runners in scoring position. That (.750) make leads all major leaguers.
It's great to get one of our two west coast trips out of the way so early into the season. The Braves will now play host to the Colorado Rockies(5-4), and the Philadelphia Phillies(8-2)during the current home-stand . The goal has to be to win both series. That wont happen against these teams unless the bats pick up. Atlanta will send D. Lowe (2-0 4.50era) to the mound against Jason Hammel (0-1 5.14era). Lowe is 2-0 despite giving up a career high 7 walks in his last start in San Francisco.Hammel is coming off a loss to the Padres in which he allowed 4 runs in 7 innings pitched.
I can't believe I've made it this far without giving props to our best player so far. Congrats to Martin Prado. He's on fire! He entered thursdays game hitting a cool .469. He then preceded to go 2 for 5 which LOWERED his average. Go figure. 
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