At least the Braves have the future

Atlanta Braves fans are likely to once again pack Turner Field for the final two months of the season.But they’ll likely be coming to get one final glance at the ballpark, which has served as home for since 1997, before moving off to the new Sun Trust Park in the northwest suburbs.They certainly won’t be coming to see the team.The Braves enter the break in last place in the National League East (31-58), 16 1/2 games behind the division-leading Washington Nationals. They ended the first half on a positive note, winning three of four in Chicago — one in a makeup game against the Cubs and two of three against the White Sox.”Everybody feels comfortable and sometimes when you’re playing this well, you don’t want the All-Star break to come,” outfielder Jeff Francoeur said. “But I think everybody is looking forward to getting some time off.”Atlanta is the worst offensive team in the National League, ranking 15th in batting average (.247) and home runs. The Braves have only 55 homers, the fewest in the major leagues, but hit eight in winning two of three against the White Sox.The lack of support has hindered the pitching, which ranks in the middle of the pack with a 4.32 ERA. But the trio of Julio Teheran, Matt Wisler and Mike Foltynewicz has shown to have the makings of a sold long-term rotation.Depending how aggressively the Braves try to move their veteran players in exchange for prospects, the club has at least given itself a chance to avoid a 100-loss season. That hasn’t happened to Atlanta since it went 54-106 in 1988.The Braves have a favorable schedule to start the second half; their first 16 games are against teams with losing records — seven with Colorado, three against Cincinnati, two against Minnesota and three against Philadelphia.”Anytime you can get away from the field for a few days on a high note, you’re going to take it,” second baseman Jace Peterson said. “Enjoy a few days and come back ready to go.”