Major League Baseball Postseason Predictions: National League – Part 3
The Atlanta Braves, like the Philadelphia Phillies, have been relying on their pitchers for success. Although not the best, their pitching’ staff is rated the fifth-best in Major League Baseball based on team ERA (3.38) this season.
However, the Braves will have to clutch their way into the playoffs via the Wild Card slot because they face a massive eight-game deficit from division and league leaders Philadelphia Phillies. In the Wild Card standings, the Braves are atop the National
League table but the Arizona Diamondbacks might be a strong challenge for them in their bid to hold on to the top notch. The D-backs are 3.5 games behind the Braves and a few positive results can eliminate the deficit in a matter of time.
Atlanta would want to devise a strategy to make their batting unit a consistent one. Dan Uggla, Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman have shown portions of brilliancy at the plate but they need to become a regular feature for the Braves who do not have much
depth in their bull-pen.
McCann has the best batting average (.306) among his team-mates which, taking into account the League standards, is not exemplary. McCann has amassed 102 hits so far but his 43 runs for the season, including 18 home-runs, will not be enough if the Braves
make it to the playoffs. These figures need to be increased, sooner than later, if the Braves want to get a shot at the playoffs.
Freeman has bagged 123 hits for the season thus far with 57 RBIs to his credit and leads the bull-pen in both categories. He has amassed 53 runs this season and would be vital for the Braves in their campaign to secure a spot for the postseason.
Dan Uggla has been the standout player in Atlanta’s outfit. The second baseman has been among the home-runs this season, smashing 24 in a total of 61 runs so far. He has shown skill with power at the plate and his 56 RBIs are evidence enough to prove his
talent. Uggla’s hitting-streak has now reached 29 consecutive games. This streak needs to continue in addition to the hefty home-runs to give the Braves a chance to cement their spot for the all-important playoffs.
All other batters, apart from these three, need to rise to the challenge too. The Braves might successfully make it to the playoffs but if their dismal run of form at the plate continues, they might not be able to make it to the World Series, the prized
goal which actually counts.
Atlanta’s pitching has been phenomenal with almost all pitchers, barring Derek Lowe, impressing. Jair Jurrjens has led the pack from the front and has recorded 12 wins and four losses in 20 starts. 15 of his 20 starts have been quality and thus his ERA is
prominent at a mere 2.63. If his fitness remains, he will be a true asset for the Braves in their postseason games.
The starting pitchers have been well-complimented by the relief pitchers and Craig Kimbrel’s mesmerising statistics explain how. Kimbrel has saved 35 games and has won three in his tally of 58 games this season and the Braves would want him to continue this
impressive run of form deep into the game as the season enters a decisive phase. It will be interesting to see how Kimbrel copes with this added responsibility.
Continued in Part 4
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