Vital Signs

• Braves 5-3, Nationals 3-4

Stranded base runners for as far as the eye can see, but the fact that Nats are at least getting on base is encouraging. Less encouraging is the fact that Deivi Cruz was absent for both games of the double-header after missing not one but two flights from Frisco to Hotlanta. Now that's commitment to a playoff chase. Goooz responded to his last night as an everyday shortstop by going 2-4 with a double. Who knows, if Deivi gets lost on the way to the stadium, Goooz may be in the lineup again tonight.

Reinforcements

All Hail Zimmerman! Surely a 20-year old rookie third baseman with no major league experience will save us. Poor kid, the first time he goes 0-4 at the plate and boots one at the hot corner, the "Zimmerman for Savior" crowd will turn on him like rabid meerkats. The rest of the cavalry will be slightly delayed by the dreaded budget restraints that we were assured wouldn't be a problem this year. Oh, if only J.B. hadn't ordered that deluxe espresso machine for the clubhouse.