checking back

It's July 2, a month since the Atlanta Braves' possible "defining moment," an adrenaline-pumping victory over the Chicago Cubs. The Braves were 26-25 on June 2, 3 1/2 games out of first in the National League East. Today, as they play first-place Philadelphia, the Braves are 37-40, 3 games out. So, they've made up ground ... but they haven't exactly turned the season around. Even with the addition of Nate McLouth, Atlanta continues to struggle at the plate. Former M-Brave Jeff Francoeur, whose clutch ninth-inning homer on June 2 created such cause for optimism, still isn't producing enough. Former M-Brave Yunel Escobar is still causing distractions. Former M-Braves Tommy Hanson and Martin Prado have helped the cause, but there seems to be so much work left for Atlanta. Dare we check back yet again a month from now?