--Atlanta's slow start has little to do with its starting pitching, which has excelled thus far. The starters have complied a 3.27 ERA, second best in the league behind the Pirates' starting five, who have compiled a 3.00 ERA.
--The Braves were one of 10 baseball franchises to decline in value this year, according to Forbes. The magazine pegged the value of the team at $446 million, down $51 million from last season's total of $497 million. A downturn in revenue due to the recession is primarily to blame for the fall. --RHP Jair Jurrjens hurled another gem Wednesday, scattering just six hits while walking two and striking out four over 7 2/3 frames, but he could not come up with the win. Jurrjens has allowed just one run in his last two starts, but Atlanta has not scored while Jurrjens has been in the game.
BY THE NUMBERS: 22 -- Consecutive scoreless innings by the Braves from the sixth inning against the Marlins on April 16 until the first inning against the Pirates on April 19.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's gonna be a huge factor on our team. I really believe that." -- Manager Bobby Cox, on LF Garret Anderson.
