Here comes the sun

Braves Update:
After an off day, the Braves are hoping to return back to form as they take on the NL Central leading Detroit Tigers. The Braves' John Smoltz will go up against Kenny Rogers in his first start of the season. The game gets underway at 7:35 PM/est on FSN.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 1 1/2
Games above .500: 3
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres/Arizona Diamondbacks

Braves Notes: The Braves Golf Classic raised $150,000 on Thursday. The money will support the Atlanta Braves Foundation's youth outreach programs.

NASCAR Update:
The Cup boys are off to wine country this weekend. Juan Pablo Montoya, who picked up his first career Busch Series win at Mexico City in March, looks to break through on the Cup side at this twisting road course. Infineon is one of only two tracks on the circuit that requires drivers to turn both left and right. Look for major pit strategy and lots of shifting. Coverage begins at 3:30 PM/est on TNT.

NASCAR Notes: Rockingham is up for sale. Owners are calling the legendary track unprofitable after losing its lone Cup race after the 2004 season...Dale Earnhardt, Jr. signed a personal endorsement contract with Sony Electronics. He is also expected to align with athletic apparel giant, Adidas.

News & Notes: Jason Giambi agreed to meet with George Mitchell to discuss steriods. An actual date for this meeting of the minds has not been set...In other Yankees news, they were swept by the Colorado Rockies. They are now 10 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. So much for a comeback...Last year's NL manager of the year, Joe Girardi has turned down the Orioles managing position on Thursday. The Orioles also lost all-star short stop Miguel Tejada with a broken wrist and saw star pitcher Erik Bedard strain a hamstring on Thursday. But on the upside they actually beat the San Diego Padres, 6-3 taking the series from the NL West leaders...Oh, so this is how Met's utility man (and former Brave) Julio Franco stays so fit, even if he is "48"...Finally, in theaters this weekend check out Steve Carell and Lauren Graham's last film Evan Almighty. If you're more in the mood for a horror flick, go see John Cusack's 1408 or if you're in the mood for a good cry, watch Angelina Jolie's A Mighty Heart.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate