July 21, 1969, is a very significant date.  The All Star break began that day, with the Atlanta Braves having taken over first place by one game in the NL West in the last game before the break.  They went on to win the division in a race that was tight to the end.  The Braves were never more than three games out or two games in front until the last weekend.  Four teams were in it almost to the end.

Neil Armstrong did something significant that day as well.  I watched the first moon walk on Sunday evening, July 20, at about 10:30 p.m., but the official date of the Armstrong’s small step was July 21, because it was already after midnight on Coordinated Universal Time   That evening was almost as exciting as the great pennant race in the NL West that year.  (I saw Michael Jackson do the moonwalk on TV in 1984—that was also pretty phenomenal.)

Tonight’s game against the Padres was not exciting at all.  San Diego outscored the Braves 8-3, outhit them 13-4, and outhomered them 4-0.  Jim Jarvis was the only offensive bright spot, with 2 of the 4 hits, including a two-rbi double.  The lack of offense was especially frustrating because they were facing Walker Buehler, who is simply not very good anymore, certainly not the dominant guy he was 2018-2021.  Speaking of 2018, Buehler contributed to one of the great moments I’ve ever seen in person—Ronald’s epic grand slam in the playoffs.  Gee, RAJ can’t come back soon enough.

Reynaldo Lopez got the start, and showed again why AA needs to be shopping in the pitcher aisle over the next thirteen days.  Reylo went just 4 1/3, surrendering 5 hits on 9 runs.  His velo is back where it was two years ago, but his command is not what it needs to be.  JR Ritchie gave up 3 more in 3 innings.  At least the high leverage guys –the two Dylans, Didi (Ramone), and Iggy (Pop)—got another night’s rest. 

As I write this, the Phillies are just now losing to the Dodgers 2-1.  So the lead remains 3.  Still, we’re likely looking at a tight pennant race to the end.  And that’s a good thing!  I still think the Braves are a slightly stronger team than Philly, but it’s close.  A close pennant race is one of the great joys of baseball fandom.  To me, it’s better in some ways than the intensity of the playoffs.

I do believe that Anthopoulos will make some deals between now and August 3.  The problem is the supply of teams with pitchers to trade is far smaller than the teams that are looking to buy.  I would have loved Sonny Gray or Joe Ryan, but their teams have been playing too well.  Detroit is the interesting case, currently 4.5 games out of the playoffs.  I’ve never though Skubal was a realistic possibility for the Braves, but Casey Mize could be a valuable acquisition.

Tomorrow night Martin Perez returns from the IL to face Michael King.