The Braves took two of three from the Orioles while the Phillies lost two of three with the Blue Jays, so the teams are now tied for first place. It’s actually kind of disappointing; the Braves won the first two of the Baltimore series and had a 1-0 lead with John Burkett going in the third game when Cal Ripken (why is he retiring anyway?) hit two homers to basically win the game single-handedly. The Braves, of course, couldn’t score any runs for Burkett. The Braves now host the Devil Rays while the Phillies get the Yankees, so there’s a good chance first place will change hands this weekend. It’s the stupid post-All Star Sunday-Monday-Tuesday series that really shouldn’t happen.

Rico Brogna announced his retirement. Unfortunately, it’s at the end of the season. (Don’t let us stop you, Rico.) Quilvio Veras is hurt, again, and with Derosa manning shortstop Lockhart is not only playing every day but leading off. Dear Lord. If Veras is going to stay hurt the Braves need to disable him and call up Marcus Giles.