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Braves Update:
After four days off, the Braves will be begin the second half of the season with their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tim Hudson will take the mound against one of the few Pirates bright spots Ian Snell. The game starts at 7:35 PM/est on TBS.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 2 1/2
Games above .500: 5
NL Wild Card Leader: Los Angeles Dodgers

Braves Notes: Get to know Willie Harris here.

NASCAR Update:
Welcome to lovely Chicagoland Speedway, one of the many cookie cutter tracks the Cup guys frequent throughout the season. This 1.5 mile flat track has gotten better with age, even opening up a second groove. Kevin Harvick dominated the first few races here, but it's best known for it's fuel milage stategy, something that won the race for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2005. Coverage begins 2:30 PM/est on TNT.

Random Quote: "To climb into that red Budweiser car each weekend has always been a privilege. Although Budweiser and I will be unable to continue our partnership beyond this season, I remain committed to driving for Bud the rest of this year, and will continue to make it my beer of choice." -Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (source)

News & Notes: The Mets have designated hitting machine and part time senior citizen Julio Franco for assignment. I wonder if this had something to do with the Mets making Rickey Henderson their hitting coach?...Indianapolis Motor Speedway will not host a Formula1 race after the 2007 season. Indy had been the site of the past 8 U.S. Grand Prix...A new report in the Chicago Tribune says that Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban may be interested in buying the Chicago Cubs. Yeah, like the Cubs don't have enough problems...Finally, it's Friday the 13th so watch out for all the those black cats and enjoy a few good horror flicks while you wrap yourself in a blacket in the fetal position and wait for the clock to strike midnight on Saturday the 14th.

I'm heading down to Philly for the Phillies photo day on Saturday. I'll try to put some pictures up on Monday. For now, you can look back at last years photo day here and here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate