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.

Atlanta Braves

Overall Record: 61-44
Run Differential: +88
Record in last period: 9-3

The 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.



Florida Marlins

Overall Record: 53-49
Run Differential: +27
Record in last period: 8-4

The 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.



New York Mets

Overall Record: 53-52
Run Differential: +39
Record in last period: 7-6

There 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.



Philadelphia Phillies

Overall Record: 55-51
Run Differential: -3
Record in last period: 7-6

There 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.



Washington Nationals

Overall Record: 56-49
Run Differential: -25
Record in last period: 3-10

The 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.