The Real 23

Braves Update:
Yesterday I mentioned the outstanding play of Brian McCann and Mark Teixeira, but I left one person off, and I think he was out to prove himself in the Braves 7-4 win over the Florida Marlins. Matt Diaz had two monster homeruns, his first ever multihomer night. This coming just two days off of a 4-6 night in Miami. Yunel Escobar scored his first ever lead off homerun and Buddy Carlyle was able to keep the Fish at bay even though he allowed a homerun to the opposing pitcher Dontrelle Willis, his second of the season. I guess what I'm most excited about is that the Braves actually won a series! It was a trying road trip that should have propelled them into the thick of the NL East battle, but instead the Braves stand 5 games back of the Mets. Luckily for the Braves they'll have today off before returning home to play the Mets in an important three game series. The Braves can make up some big ground on the suddenly slumping Metsies.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 5
Games above .500: 4
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Chuck James looks like he maybe ready to come off the DL just in time for his start on Sunday against the Mets...Chipper Jones has been playing through pain, this time in his right shoulder. The MVP third baseman says it hurts when he swings and throws and especially when he's batting left handed, but contends he will stay in the lineup to help the Braves' push towards the playoffs...Octavio Dotel left the team on Thursday to return to the Dominican Republic to attend his grandmother's funeral.

Random Quote: "We have confidence that every day we go out there, today is the day we turn it around. We've got a lot of time left the last month to accomplish what we want." - Chipper Jones (source)

NASCAR Update:
ESPN.com is reporting that Regan Smith will be announced as the driver of the #01 car for DEI in 2008. Smith had been sharing time with Mark Martin in the #01 this season.

Jimmie Johnson held a golf outting in his hometown of El Cajon, CA on Wednesday to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Johnson estimates he could have raised a half a million dollars. And unlike his last outting on the golf course in December, he made it through without breaking a bone, spraining something or needing stitches. Good Job!

Popo in my crib News:
"Pop singer" El DeBarge was arrested on Wednesday for domestic violence. He is currently holed up in the Men's Central Jail in LA without an option to post bail. Watch out El, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Looks like the Cleveland Indians have figured out Johan Santana this season after Wednesday night's 4-3 win, the Tribe are now 4-0 against him...The San Diego Padres proved they are not content with just the Wild Card after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks including Wednesday's 3-1 win and taking the top spot in the NL West...Ben Sheets came off the DL just in time for the Milwaukee Brewers who were able to get a 6-1 win and against the Chicago Cubs to move back into second place in the NL Central standings...The Cincinnati Bengals will be without defensive lineman Frostee Rucker for their opener on September 10th against the Baltimore Ravens after he was suspended by the league on Wednesday. Rucker pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment and one coutn of vandalism in May...Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge will play with a broken pinky on his throwing hand on Saturday in their game against Cal. This is so like Friday Night Lights when people have to play with ribs stiking out and stuff...In on my goodness, I totally forgot about you news, the Milwaukee Bucks and Yi Jianlian have actually come to terms on a contract. It only took a little cross the world trip to get it done...And finally, Danville, CA officials ordered resident David Lowe to tear down his 18,000 square foot private little league baseball field. The field, which cost a couple hundred thousand to build, had Astroturf, a batting cage and a motorized pitching machine.

Check this out: Wonder who Delilah is? Find out here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate