Hope Springs and All That Junk for Braves Fans in the Form of Tommy Hanson

We've hashed out the Braves problems before. 11-27 on the road, worst in the majors. 39-41 and 4.5 back of the National League East (mercifully the Phils are 2-8 in their last 10). Pitchers dropping like flies. Guys hitting .400 careening foul balls off their eyes.

But despite all of that, there is hope Braves fans. It comes in the form of Tommy Hanson (not actually pictured), who pitched the first no-hitter in Mississippi Braves history last night, striking out a whooping 14 in the process.

"It was awesome, by far the best time I've ever had pitching in a game my whole life," Hanson said following a clubhouse celebration. "It was great. The fans were up clapping, it was an awesome time."

[...]"I was kind of sitting in the corner of the dugout and guys would walk by and say, 'Good job,' but you could kind of tell they were all staying away," Hanson said. "I knew they hadn't gotten a hit, but I was trying not to think about it. It was kind of funny."

Nothing like the old awkward jinx factor. Now, Hanson might not be headed to the majors this year (although if he keeps throwing no-hitters and the Braves need pitchers, who knows?) but it could certainly happen, especially with no real knowledge about how Frank Wren likes to roll with prospects.

More than likely, he's going to get promoted to Richmond and if he pitches well there, he'll get some time in the bigs. But Braves fans, as much as this season isn't over, should remember that this kid = future. So be patient.