Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
The Braves will win the NL East every year until they don't.
Standings as of July 31st:
Team W L PCT GB Atlanta 61 44 .581 - Washington 56 49 .533 5.0 Florida 53 49 .520 6.5 Philadelphia 55 51 .519 6.5 NY Mets 53 52 .505 8.0
The Braves were unbeaten last week, including a sweep of the Nationals. They've now moved away from the pack and are up by 5 games.
Atlanta seems to have a lock on the division, but the remainder of the teams still have realistic wild card chances.
Team W L Pct GB Houston 57 48 .542 - Washington 56 49 .533 1 Florida 53 49 .520 2.5 Philadelphia 55 51 .519 2.5 Chicago Cubs 53 52 .505 4 NY Mets 53 52 .505 4 Milwaukee 52 54 .491 5.5
There's no truth to the rumor that some of the NL East teams have applied for a transfer to the NL West. At this point the last place Mets have a better record than Magpie's first place Diamondbacks.
Overall Record: 61-44 Run Differential: +88 Record in last period: 9-3The Braves made one of the biggest moves at the trade deadline picking up flamethrower and enforcer Kyle Farnsworth to help bolster a bullpen ranked 11th in the NL in ERA.
Overall Record: 53-49 Run Differential: +27 Record in last period: 8-4The Marlins wanted to have their cake and eat it to, looking to trade future free agent AJ Burnett before losing him this offseason and improving their team at the same time. After deciding that wasn't possible they ended up keeping Burnett and picking up LOOGY Ron Villone.
Overall Record: 53-52 Run Differential: +39 Record in last period: 7-6There was a lot of stir about Soriano early in the week and Manny Ramirez late in the week, but in the end it was much ado about nothing. Lastings Milledge would have likely been part of the price in either deal and perhaps the Mets learned about the benefits of keeping home grown players from their cross town rivals.
Overall Record: 55-51 Run Differential: -3 Record in last period: 7-6There was talk that Billy Wagner was on the block but nothing ended up happening there. The Phillies didn't acquire anyone or trade anyone away, but if a healthy Thome comes back that will be a boost to their lineup.
Overall Record: 56-49 Run Differential: -25 Record in last period: 3-10The Nationals made a move a few weeks back acquiring Preston Wilson, and then recently got Nick Johnson back from injury. However, the Nationals have been free falling since the All Star Break and are probably more likely to finish in the basement than the playoffs.
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