The Braves have nothing to play for but their jobs, and manager Bobby Cox is emphasizing to his coaches that while winning is obviously the most important thing, a close second is teaching the game and developing players. In fact, Cox considers that the most rewarding thing management can do.
In conjunction with that, Cox has informed some players -- notably right fielder Jeff Francoeur -- that they will be getting more days off while he takes a look at what other players can do. In the outfield, Gregor Blanco and Josh Anderson will by vying for next year's center field position from now through spring training. Brandon Jones must prove his mettle at both corner positions. General manager Frank Wren continues to say that Francoeur's disappointing season is not an omen, but retaining his starting role is not a slam dunk.
In the infield, Omar Infante and Martin Prado could edge out Kelly Johnson -- although Prado's unexpected success at first base could save Johnson from a trade. But it could spell a lot of bench time for Casey Kotchman, who has been placed on the restricted list due to the illness of his mother.
NATIONALS 8, BRAVES 4: RHP Jair Jurrjens regained his touch, putting in six innings of good work Sunday, and SS Yunel Escobar hit a three-run home run to put the Braves ahead 4-3. But RHP Elmer Dessens coughed up a three-run homer to Aaron Boone, and the Nationals swept the three-game series.
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