But, by failing to acquire either hitter, the Braves are sorely lacking in the power department and figure to finish the season with their fewest home runs in a full season since hitting 138 in 1992. Everybody would love to have a guy who can hit 30 or 40 homers and hit .300, but if you don't, you don't. You make do with what you have. Meanwhile, Galarraga is hitting .284 and has banged out five home runs and knocked in 17 runs in Texas, McGriff has two home runs and nine RBI in Tampa Bay, and Ryan Klesko has three home runs and 11 RBI in San Diego. If hitters can hit, you'll score runs.
Singles win games too.
The Braves like to point out their regular lineup has a collective career batting average of .282. In other words, while they're missing a big bopper, they feel they have eight professional hitters who can produce enough hits to win. But in April, the Braves hit .237 and averaged 3.9 runs per game. Not surprisingly, they won 12 games and lost 14. The only hitter who batted .300 during the first month was Chipper Jones.