Community Picks: San Francisco Giants 0% vs Arizona Diamondbacks 0%

It's tough to imagine this now, but better days lie ahead for the Atlanta Braves. What they're paying right now is the price of rebuilding, which usually comes after a run of success. Considering they've made 17 postseason appearances since 1991, we'd say things have been pretty good overall. [Elsewhere: Did an electric stimulation machine help Yasiel Puig end a slump? ] The financial cost of rebuilding won't be that steep, especially since the Braves have made it a point to shed many of their larger salaries. But it can be quite a drain on the fans' and players' enthusiasm because the lack of proven talent will cost them in the standings. Case in point, the Braves are currently 9-26, which is tied for the worst record in MLB with the Minnesota Twins. Despite stunning the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals on Saturday, things probably won't get much better on Sunday. They'll be facing the Royals again in the Yahoo Sports' Free Game of the Day. The game, which begins at .2:15 p,m. ET, can be streamed for free at Yahoo's Sports Home , MLB index and video home Despite that, there are several things Braves fans should have to look forward to. In fact, some of them are already a big part of their team and could be in the lineup on Sunday. Others will take time. Here, we'll focus on three of the bigger reasons we think the struggles and the growing pains they'll experience in the next 12-18 months will end up paying off. Continue to Article

May 15, 2016 11:11:am EST

It's tough to imagine this now, but better days lie ahead for the Atlanta Braves. What they're paying right now is the price of rebuilding, which usually comes after a run of success. Considering they've made 17 postseason appearances since 1991, we'd say things have been pretty good overall. [Elsewhere: Did an electric stimulation machine help Yasiel Puig end a slump? ] The financial cost of rebuilding won't be that steep, especially since the Braves have made it a point to shed many of their larger salaries. But it can be quite a drain on the fans' and players' enthusiasm because the lack of proven talent will cost them in the standings. Case in point, the Braves are currently 9-26, which is tied for the worst record in MLB with the Minnesota Twins. Despite stunning the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals on Saturday, things probably won't get much better on Sunday. They'll be facing the Royals again in the Yahoo Sports' Free Game of the Day. The game, which begins at .2:15 p,m. ET, can be streamed for free at Yahoo's Sports Home , MLB index and video home Despite that, there several things Braves should have to look forward to. Some of those reasons are already a big part of their team and will be in the lineup Sunday. Others will take time. Here, we'll focus on three of the bigger reasons we think the struggles and the growing pains they'll experience in the next 12-18 months will end up paying off. Continue to Article

May 15, 2016 11:11:am EST

Matt Cain hasn't earned a winning decision since July, but at least he has something significantly positive to feel good about. Following his best outing of 2016, the right-hander can help the visiting San Francisco Giants complete a four-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks with their fifth consecutive victory Sunday. Off to the worst start of an otherwise solid career, Cain (0-5, 6.69 ERA) is 0-8 with a 6.72 ERA in 16 starts since winning at San Diego on July 22. Continue to Article

May 15, 2016 12:49:am EST

Arizona manager Chip Hale has confidence in the three pitchers at the back of his bullpen, sending Daniel Hudson, Tyler Clippard and Brad Ziegler into any situation without hesitation. It was Hudson's turn Saturday night and it did not go well. San Francisco loaded the bases against Hudson in the ninth inning and Buster Posey hit a two-run double for the go-ahead runs, lifting the Giants to a 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks. Continue to Article

May 15, 2016 12:30:am EST