In Atlanta, Mark Bradley writes the "disbelief that prevailed in April" of the Braves' early winning ways "has dissipated in the face of gathering reality." The club has occupied first place in the NL East "for 57 of the past 63 days." Braves Exec VP & GM Alex Anthopoulos "soon and very soon ... needs to tell Liberty Media: 'This is where we are, and this is what we need to get over the line.'" If Liberty Media "isn't willing to assume that cost, it has no business owning a baseball team." The Braves are "doing their part," and it is "time now for those not in uniform to do theirs" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/5).
UP FOR THE TASK? In Toronto, Steve Buffery writes the "daunting problem" for Blue Jays Exec VP/Baseball Operations & GM Ross Atkins is that he "obviously wants to keep adding young, controllable talent with an eye on the future, but he's also committed to fielding an 'exciting and fun' team next season." The Blue Jays are 40-46, and Atkins is "not prepared to bottom out in order to build back up." But that is the "hardest trick in the book." Buffery: "This is what Jays fans have to look forward to: This year is a wash, but you already knew that." The Blue Jays next year are "aiming to be 'competitive,'" which means that if either the Yankees or Red Sox "set records for DL stints, they might have a chance to grab a wild-card spot" (TORONTO SUN, 7/5).
TESTING TIMES: In Chicago, Daryl Van Schouwen writes the White Sox' rebuild "will test the patience" of Exec VP Ken Williams, Senior VP & GM Rick Hahn and Chair Jerry Reinsdorf, "none of whom is patient by nature." Williams said, "We're competitive people, and we still want to win like anyone else. Even though we understand where we're at in the rebuild evolution, I want to win tonight's game." The White Sox are currently 30-56 this season, and while more losses mean a better draft position, Williams said that it is "not the aim" of the club (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/5).
