Atlanta Braves Postgame

Whenever the Atlanta Braves take the field, you know you can hear all about it on the "Atlanta Braves Postgame" radio show. Hosted by Eric Midcap, a lifelong Braves fan and a sophomore at West Virginia University, each 30-minute show provides a daily recap of Braves games as well as a preview of upcoming matchups.

After having their record string of 14 consecutive playoff appearances snapped in 2006, the Braves have rebounded in 2007 to once again be in contention for first place in the hotly-contested NL East. Currently locked in a tight race with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies for the division crown, Atlanta greatly improved its chances at the trade deadline, acquiring switch-hitting first baseman Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers and veteran reliever Octavio Dotel from the Kansas City Royals.

Dotel will bolster an ailing bullpen, serving as a reliable set-up man for veteran closer Bob Wickman. Teixeira is the true steal, though. The 27-year-old slugger has already mashed 155 homeruns in his young career, possessing power from both sides of the plate. He'll give the Braves a dynamic cleanup hitter in the middle of an already fearsome lineup that includes such proven stars as Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and Edgar Renteria, as well as promising young hitters like Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann.

The ageless John Smoltz continues to anchor Atlanta's starting rotation, getting considerable help from fellow ace Tim Hudson, who's having a remarkable year in his own right. Youngsters Buddy Carlyle and Chuck James have performed above and beyond expectations, allowing fans to dream of a return trip to the postseason.