Buster Olney - Early Deadline Returns
The Phillies landed the biggest pre-deadline prize in Cliff Lee, and Detroit might've acquired the biggest difference-maker in Jarrod Washburn, but Atlanta may have done the best overall work in summertime deals so far. The Braves have reshaped their offense by acquiring Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche, and only four teams scored more runs than the Braves in July. They already have outstanding starting pitching, of course; only the Giants' and Cardinals' pitchers have lower ERAs. As of Sunday morning, the Braves are four games behind the Giants and Rockies in the wild-card standings, and they are dangerous.



