27-year old lefty swinging outfielder Nate McLouth has played well since coming over from the Pirates. He has played in 72 games for the Braves this season and he is 81 for 291 (.278 avg, .806 OPS) with 52 runs scored, 9 homers, 32 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. The Braves love his all out style so he will be a player they try to build around in the future.

Bobby Cox has stated that he does not know if he will be back with the Atlanta Braves next year, which would be his 25th year with the club.  Cox had hinted at retiring in the past, even saying he would be done after the 2008 season, but his love of the game and competitive fire keeps him coming back.  Cox is now 68-years-old and the Braves have missed the playoffs the past three seasons.  With the Braves 7.5 games back in their division and 5 games back in the wild card, it looks like it will be four consecutive seasons of missing the postseason for Cox and the Braves.

Cox is one of the most successful managers ever as he is 4th all-time in wins and won 14 straight National League East titles, five pennants and a World Series title with the Braves.  Although the Braves have not been as successful recently with Cox as they were in the past, I think Cox should come back for his 25th season with the Braves and try to make at least one more run at the postseason and another World Series Title.  Bobby Cox is one of the top managers of all time and if he still feels like he is up to the task, then the Braves should welcome him with open arms next year.

The Braves know that Adam LaRoche is a slow starter who finishes strong and that’s why they jumped at the opportunity to acquire him from the Red Sox. All they had to give up to get him was Casey Kotchman! Amazing! LaRoche has played in 40 games for the Braves since arriving from Boston and he is 52 for 148 (.351 avg, 1.072 OPS) with 27 runs scored, 12 homers and 30 RBIs. Expect him to finish this season strong.

Tim Hudson won his first start since last July on Tuesday night, pitching 5 1/3 of six-hit ball in sparking a 4-3 Atlanta victory over the Florida Marlins.

The former Braves ace returned to the mound after 13 months of rehabilitation following surgery.  Hudson had a ligament replaced in his throwing elbow after experiencing discomfort on July 23, 2008.

Despite the break, Hudson looked strong in his  first start of the season.  He only allowed two earned runs while working into the sixth inning, striking out five and walking three.  He managed the near-quality start with only 82 pitches.

Hudson was a two-time All Star with the Oakland Athletics before being traded to the Braves in 2004.  Between 2005-2008, Hudson became arguably Atlanta’s most reliable pitcher: He was 54-38 with a 3.78 ERA over that span.