Why the Atlanta Braves can still make the playoffs

     We've all heard it this season: "We're done!" "DLowe is a bust!" "If you lose 2/3 to the Padres, you should just give up!" etc. etc. etc. What's truly amazing is with our bi-polar offense and bullpen, we're only 3.5 games back of the wild card. Baseball can be a wild, crazy, and unpredictable game, but there-in lies the beauty of the it: Anything can happen. Here's 4 reasons I still think the Atlanta Braves can make the playoffs.

1. We have the best 5 man 6 man rotation of any team in baseball.

     Tim Hudson will make his 2009 debut on Monday night against the Marlins. For most teams, Huddy would instantly become their 3rd or 4th best starter; for the Braves, he's our 6th best. He's replacing Kenshin Kawakami (which is a move I completely endorse for the simple fact it will save KK's arm in 2010) who bolsters a pathetic 4.08ERA and 1.36WHIP (*note the sarcasm*). If Huddy struggles in his first 2 or 3 starts, we throw KK back in there and we lose absolutely nothing. If Huddy dominates, well, the Braves' pitching staff just got a helluva lot better.

2. Nate McLouth will be back within a few days.

     Nasty Nate is due off the DL on Monday, when we start a pivotal 4 game series against the Marlins. Even though Matty Diaz has done a nice f'ing amazing job leading off the past few games, I'd much rather have him hitting 6th or 7th and knocking in runs. Nate gives us one of our few base stealing threats along with some nice defense in CF and a little more pop to our lineup. It also lets Churchy move back to his normal postion in LF/RF and lets Omar Infante become his super-utility self again.

3. Chipper Jones is coming out of his slump.

     Chipper has been making that face a lot these past 2 weeks, but it's really starting to look like he's coming out of his miserable slump (3 for his last 42). He had some nice hits in the last game against the Padres, and would've had another one if Tony Gwynn Jr. hadn't laid out to make a great diving catch. Chipper also hit a bomb off of Chad Durbin in the 5th inning of Saturday night's game. He's one of the greatest pure-hitters in the past 50 years, and there's no way he continues to slump like he has been. I feel good about the Braves' lineup with McLouth coming back and Chipper (hopefully) returning to form.

4. September 1st means September call-ups.

     In my opinion, these are 9 guys who could be getting called up to the Bravos after Gwinnett finishes their excellent season up. It looks like there's no chance of Heyward or Freeman getting called up, so we're gonna have to look at our 1st place AAA team instead for support. I think the locks for a call-up are are: BJones, Brooks "the ladies love me" Conrad and Barbaro "The Horse" Canizares. I'd like to see Barton come up for the simple fact I loved the energy and hustle he brought with him whenever he played earlier this season. I'd also like to have Gregor Blanco called up for the pure speed he brings on the base paths. Im getting tired of risking an injury to one of our pitchers whenever we have them pinch-run for BMac or GA late in a ballgame. Pitching wise, I think all 4 guys (Acosta, Nunez, Valdez and Reyes) could be solid additions. Im not saying they should pitch in the 8th inning of a 1-0 game against the Phillies, but I'd be fine with them saving Gonzo's, EOF's and Moylan's arms in a blowout. Oh, and does anyone else think Luis Valdez could be a long lost brother of Raffy Soriano?

     So there you go. There are 4 of the reasons I still think our beloved Bravos can go on a serious run and make the playoffs. I have a feeling its going to be a fantastic September, and I'm looking forward to each-and-every game.

Go Braves!