Braves take 2 of 3 from the Dodgers
The Good: It was the Jonestown Massacre in L.A. this weekend! OK. Not quite. But it’s a cool way of saying Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones each homered in each of the Braves’ (modest) victories Saturday and Sunday. Andruw actually tallied 3 home runs in the series and leads the team with 9 on the season. … Starters Tim Hudson (1 earned run in 6 innings pitched, 9 hits and 5 strikeouts, now tied for team lead with 4 wins) and Horacio Ramirez (7 hits and 2 earned runs in 7 innings but got no decision) were effective. … John Foster continues to impress. With Gryboski disabled Foster will be in much more pressure situations.
The Bad: The top of the order continues to sputter. Rafael Furcal and Marcus Giles were a collective 2-for-24 (.083) with only 2 runs scored in the series (the heart of the order went 14-for-32 for a cool .438 average during the series to compensate; now how about some balance going forward?). … Chris Reitsma gave up a heartbreaking grand slam to Milton Bradley to negate Adam LaRoche’s comeback slam in the top of the eighth Friday. Last season Reitsma wore down towards the end of the season because Bobby Cox used him in 84 games. This spring Cox lamented his folly in overusing Reitsma and vowed he would not do the same this season. Guess what – Reitsma is on pace to appear in 85 games this season! 
Get the man some relief pitchers or he’s going throw what few decent ones he has until their arms fall off! This issue becomes even more imperative with Gryboski and starters facing injuries. … Brian Jordan was 0-for-the-series in 8 at-bats.
The Ugly: Mike Hampton left his start Saturday in the third inning because of stiffness in his left forearm. That’s just what we need now – some uncertainty in the rotation as well as the bullpen. The Braves anticipate he’ll be able to make his next start. Cross your fingers!
