AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves need to pull for, against Phils
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The Braves are in a weird position. They’re rooting against Philadelphia because, duh, they want to win the NL East. But they have to be rooting for Philly, if just a bit, because they don’t want to play Houston in the Division Series.
If the Phillies take the wild card — they trail Houston by two games — the Braves will get the break of all breaks and open the playoffs against San Diego. (I know, I know. The Braves were 1-5 against the Padres in the regular season. No matter.) If the Astros prevail, as you figure they will, the Braves might not see Round 2.
That’s what the wild card has done: It has skewed October past the point of logical handicapping. The Phillies have a much better lineup than the Astros, but the Astros have three terrrific starting pitchers. Even the Braves can’t match Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte as a threesome. That’s the kind of 1-2-3 rotation that was built for a best-of-five series.
The Astros had a better team than the Braves last fall, but they’re missing Carlos Beltran and Jeff Kent from that roster — and Morgan Ensberg, among the best of the holdovers, has been hurting — and the formerly bashin’ ‘Stros really don’t hit much at all anymore. But that’s the thing: Nobody hits much in October. It comes down to pitching. The Astros have those three starters and Brad Lidge to close. At least in Round 1, they’re the most intimidating opponent on the board.
And the Braves will play them. Unless the Phillies get hot. Talk about mixed emotions.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Mark Bradley, Quick Hit
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By GT
September 22, 2005 06:19 PM | Link to this
The way the Braves are playing I am worried they won’t even be in the playoffs. I sure hope they are, I don’t want to stop on 13. If they do these kids might get excited and knock the cover off the ball. I remember AJ when he was a rookie in the playoffs. He looked like the next Willie Mays.
By Chop Chop
September 22, 2005 10:54 PM | Link to this
It sure looked like Bobby Cox was rootin’ for the Phils today. What a debacle!
By Joe Roman
September 23, 2005 07:09 AM | Link to this
Poop happens, boys and girls, AND IT HAPPENED BIG TIME YESTERDAY. Anybody complaining about how boring it is to win all the time?
By Mike
September 23, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this
Another calculated error by Cox. Remeber game 6 of the ‘91 series? He lets Liebrandt, a junk balling lefty, pitch to Kirby Puckett, arguably the most dangerous right-handed hitter in baseball at the time, and Puckett goes deep. Twins win the series. There are several other examples. In late September, and October, you can’t manage the same way as you do in a 162 game regular season. There is a finality that exists. I believe the saying goes “lose and go home.” Lets manage with a bit more desperation. The post season has begun. Our rookies have over-achieved this season, and we have should take advantage. Who knows? Maybe they get hot again in the playoffs. Go Braves!
By Jim
September 23, 2005 11:57 AM | Link to this
Bottom line… Cox is great in the 162 game marathon… he stinks in the five and seven game post season series…
PERIOD….
By braves dangdoodle
September 23, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this
Lets GO larry-be the leader you don’t want to be-we need to win 6 games now-forget about the wildcard and win
By Zap
September 23, 2005 09:17 PM | Link to this
Chip Caray just said “Go Reds Go” in giving the Reds/Phillies score. I’ll bet his journalism teacher at Georgia is so proud.
Or did Chip major in cheerleading?
By LJC
September 24, 2005 07:12 AM | Link to this
Will someone please tell me why Cox didn’t bunt Furcal over to second in the opening inning of the opener of the Fla. series. Instead, Giles hits into a DP. I would have at least tried a steal. Florida has a 22% success rate at throwing out atempted steals and Raffe has been more successful than that. Wow, what a great inning the eighth was when the Braves scored 4 to win and the bull pen held it!
By Judy
September 24, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this
Ok fellas it’s time to show up or live FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES with the thorny crown of letting the streak end with you. How many times in the next 40 years do you want to be interviewd and written about that the streak ended on your watch? Hey rookies, kick some veteran b* and let them know if they don’t want to fight to the end with you to get out of your locker room! I hate to watch what the veteran’s sorry attitudes are doing to the enthuiasm of the rookies.
By ron
September 25, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this
looking at jaret wright yesterday,he wasn’t too impressive despite some poor fielding.giving the poor position the bronx bombers are in dire need of pitching.if jaret wright fails to make the yankees post season roster if will serve him right,that’ll teach him what loyalty is.however it’s not a given the yankees will even make it since they are involved in a tight race for both the divisional & wild card races.the braves showed loyalty to wright whe everyone else would not give him a contaract.yes i’m aware sports is a business,but you have to give loyalty to those taht rescued your career.at least the braves are pretty assured a playoff sopt.
By DD
September 26, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this
Bobby needs to move LaRoche out of the 5th hole. He’s the human rally killer. Let Langerhans bat fifth against righties (at least he has speed and won’t hit into as many double plays) and Franco against lefties……