On the verge of the upcoming 2010 MLB All-Star Game break, the Atlanta Braves are still enjoying one of their best runs in recent years, with their 50-35 record giving them a three-game lead over the second-place Mets, while the Braves have won two straight against the Phillies and have gone 8-4 in last their last twelve outings.

Not to pick apart Atlanta’s great first half, but there are still some things that followers seem to be concerned about, such as the overuse of 38-year-old closer Billy Wagner (19 saves, 55 SO, 1.27 ERA in 35.1 IP), and the need for a quality right-handed-hitting outfielder, as switch-hitter Melky Cabrera (.257 BA, 2 HR, 23 RBI) just is not making the grade.

With Jason Heyward (11 HR and 45 RBI in 71 games) on the DL, recent Atlanta Braves starting outfields have consisted of either Eric Hinske (.278 BA, 6 HR, 34 RBI) or Omar Infante (.307 BA, 22 RBI) in addition to Gregor Blanco (.327 BA, but only 3 RBI and 2 extra-base hits in 32 games) and Cabrera; neither of which combinations would be considered great in the minors, much less at the major league level. Critics are urging the Braves to do whatever it is they need to do to complete a deal to fill the outfield void, with the likes of a Washington’s Josh Willingham (.279 BA, 15 HR, 46 RBI) for instance. If they can do something like that, and see the healthy return of Heyward, Atlanta’s outfield could turn from rags to riches in one fell swoop.

It is the infield which provides the hitting leaders for the Atlanta Braves, with second-baseman Martin Prado topping the hits (121) and average columns (.336 – 1st in NL) and first-baseman Troy Glaus heading the homeruns (14) and runs-batted-in (56) lists, while all-time Braves fan-favorite Chipper Jones is number one in on-base percentage (.382) and maybe even reconsidering his plans to retire at the end of the season given the way the team is playing.

This is a resurgent team that is looking to continue a great season, the likes of which were the norm for fifteen seasons prior to 2005. Order some Atlanta Braves tickets today and come out to Turner Field to see if they address their needs, plug the few holes they have, and continue on the path to being one of the best teams in all of baseball once again.