Braves may get a helping hand to postseason — from Phillies
This was Roy Halladay throwing a five-hit shutout of the Braves back in April. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Did the Philadelphia Phillies just become the Braves’ best friend?
The expectation of the season-ending series against Philadelphia determining the National League East champion obviously didn’t happen. The Phillies don’t care that much about the weekend series at Turner Field, and manager Charlie Manuel is setting up his pitching rotation with the postseason in mind. That means instead of facing projected Cy Young winner Roy Halladay (21-10, 2.44) on Friday night, the Braves will go against Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.76).
There’s more: Roy Oswalt said he doesn’t expect to pitch this weekend and there’s a feeling in Philadelphia that if Cole Hamels starts, he will throw a limited number of pitches. This series may be playoff life-or-death for the Braves but it’s spring training for the Phillies. There also could be an obvious ripple effect thr0ugh the lineup, with the Philly resting starters or giving them only limited at-bats.
Of course, the Braves have absolutely no problem with the Phillies’ attitude toward these games. My guess is San Diego and San Francisco probably aren’t as thrilled.
For what it’s worth, the Braves have struggled against both Halladay and Kendrick this season. Halladay is 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA against them. Kendrick had no-decisions in two starts but allowed only one run in 15 innings (0.60) in two starts in April and June.
So there’s the backdrop for today’s 4:35 p.m. game against Florida. In case you missed it, here’s my column off of Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Marlins, which expanded the Braves’ lead over San Diego in the wild card race to 1 1/2 games. The Braves won the same day they learned that Martin Prado was lost for the season with a torn oblique and a hip pointer.
It remains to be seen how the Braves would do if they make it to the postseason. But few figured they would even be in this position with all the issues they’ve had this season.
♦
Earlier posts
♦ Braves still upright despite losing Prado (and so many others)
♦ Bust poll: Bobo (Georgia offense) vs. Groh (Tech defense)
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103 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2010
11:45 am
Tucker — OK, NOW you’re getting on my nerves!
Ted M
September 29th, 2010
11:49 am
Jeff,
When is the last time anyone asked McCann about his eyesight? In between pitches squints alot and he’ll also open his eyes real wide. He generally seems concerned about his sight in between pitches.
DCBrave33
September 29th, 2010
11:49 am
Keith
As you know, I agree with you about just getting in and seeing what happens.
To further your point, Buster Olney today has an article (insider only, but I could read the first few paragraphs and understood his point) about how the Braves could follow the blueprint of the 1988 WS Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. They had a hodgepodge lineup at the end with a few solid pitchers and a good bullpen and were able to win the title. Would that lineup (or our current lineup) hold up for an entire season? No. But in the short term, and in short series, just a few unexpected hits, and soild pitching can get it done. Is it likely, maybe not. But certainly possible!
keith
September 29th, 2010
11:49 am
THanks for the lineup, Jeff!
Everyone bashed Bobby for putting Melky in the 5th spot yesterday…then after looking at the matchup history, Melky hit Sanabia very well. And he didn’t do too bad yesterday….at the plate anyway.
I WAS hoping that Hinske would get a start…..but oh well!
GO BRAVES!
keith
September 29th, 2010
11:51 am
Re: DCBRave
Saw the same article. Good work.
I’m headed to the Ted today. Are you?
Go get your almost-50% off terrace ticket by putting “social” in the discount code box on the Braves’ site. Got my $38 ticket for $24.
GO BRAVES!
Ted M
September 29th, 2010
11:52 am
Yes, thanks for the lineup. Do you know the Marlins lineup?
keith
September 29th, 2010
11:54 am
Guess that’s more like 40ish%.
37%, who’s counting? :p
clay
September 29th, 2010
11:56 am
Only one complaint about the line up. Why not Hinske? I dont mind Melky but we need to see if Hinske can stay hot.
Ted M
September 29th, 2010
11:59 am
Its the lefty/lefty thing but Hinske is 2 for 2 against Miller.
DCBrave33
September 29th, 2010
11:59 am
I would love to be there Keith. A few friends of mine got the Hank Aaron seats behind home plate for something like $30! A great deal. I am actually in DC though. I already have my trips scheduled for a return this weekend and the next (for a hopeful playoff game!) I made it to NYC for a game in the Mets series, Philly for the Halladay game in that series, and all 3 in DC.
I WILL be leaving work at 4 pm so I can get back to watch the game this afternoon though. Wish I could be there, but pull them through for me.
H2O Hallady Hamels Oswalt
September 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
We don’t care who we play but it would really be nice for Bobby Cox to have one more shot at the playoffs. These are the Phillies golden years, just as the Braves have had their golden years. Things always change, but I hope the Mets never have any golden years.
BraveinPA
September 29th, 2010
12:07 pm
I get so tired of folks talking Philly- I live here and cant stand these folks- all I hear is nobody is going to stop the 3 pitchers- really- 3 future hall of famers made the playoffs how many years? Things change-it starts a new season-I like the Bravos chances as good as any other team that makes it in- So all that are giving the trophy already to Philly please just stop….you play the games that determines the outcome if it were any other way then how many rings would the Braves have at this point in time? They dominated most of the time when they made the 90’s run-
Spartacus
September 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
I must say that I’ve been a fan of the Braves as long as I’ve been alive (37 years and counting), and have always supported them, even when they were losing. Like every fan, I’ve been critical to a fault and passionate when they win. Even now, I believe that Chipper’s injury has taken a huge toll on the team and that is why they’ve limped to the end of the season. However, I’m a little concerned that the leader of the team, McCann, looks so out of shape now and his inconsistent play has been hurting the team down the stretch. I don’t expect much from the Melky, McClouth, Ankiel trio, they’re marginal players at best, but I do expect a 5 time all-star to step up and carry the team. When he physically can’t do it because he’s overweight and slower than Sid Bream, even though I don’t think he’s even 25 years old yet is disheartening. As a former baseball player and catcher, for that matter, I can’t imagine having the opportunity to play professionally and then not do what it takes to be in top shape and condition! Brian, get a nutritionist and a trainer and lose some weight! Not only will you be a better player, but you will have the strength and stamina to make it through a full baseball season! Your defense will improve and your hitting and base running will improve dramatically. You have too much natural talent to see it waste away by being overweight. Please, do something about this in the off-season!
BraveinPA
September 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
I hit submit before finishing-
except playoff time was the end of my sentence.
Marc in FL
September 29th, 2010
12:15 pm
Don’t get too excited, we have a way of making the leagues worst pitchers look like Randy Johnson. I always happy we were facing their best when we went to Philly cause I knew we’d play better, and we did, except for bad defense.
Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2010
12:16 pm
Ted M– Actually, I’ve always seen McCann do that. Haven’t noticed extra squinting lately. Could just be sweat.
Ted M
September 29th, 2010
12:30 pm
Thanks – Go Braves
Dave Gallagher was my lunch lady...
September 29th, 2010
12:34 pm
Hinske should get some starts in LF!!!
chalkdawg4
September 29th, 2010
12:37 pm
Baba – a little late – but your comment about Melkey and the ribbons was hilarous. Did anyone else notice the look on Hudson’s face when he made his pirouette play on the double he missed?
The Man
September 29th, 2010
12:37 pm
I say Keep Conrad at 3rd.. and Stick Freddy Freeman in.. We just need a bat right now.. Derek Lee ain’t gettin it done.. please drop Heyward to hitting 3rd
Dave Gallagher was my lunch lady...
September 29th, 2010
12:39 pm
Marc FL
Good point, I was at all 3 games and the did play very strong except for a few stupid errors. But Oswalt was unhittable. Hamels and Halladay could have very easily got L’s if it weren’t for a couple inches on some hits and some idiot mental mistakes by ATL.
Like Mike Minor, “My head wasn’t in the game, I wasn’t paying attention…” Yeh Mike? Great! : ) You know Bobby had it out with him after that game! Not getting that bunt down and then grounding into a DP… Amazing…
I think if Hinske gets some starts in LF, this team will take off. He is the team leader. It’s hard to be the team leader at the end of the bench with a coat on. It’s not like he could play any worse D then Melky or McLouth. LOL McLouth is so lost and Melky’s MapQuest route to the ball last night and let up the only Huddy run. That’s the definition of shyting the bed…. HINSKE IN LF!!!
Dawglasville
September 29th, 2010
12:40 pm
I’ve recently changed my thoughts on the Bravos. I think we should field the best defensive team we can, pray we get incredibly good pitching, and hope from some late inning hits from pinch hitters. I think we have a better shot of limiting runs than we do of producing them.
JDA
September 29th, 2010
12:44 pm
It really doesn’t matter who Philly throws…we won’t score more than 3 against anyone. Today’s lineup is : Infante (4) Heyward, (9), Diaz (7), Lee (3), Gonzalez (6), Ross (2), Conrad (5), Cabrera (8), — tis amounts to:
Bench player, Star, Platoon player, Wash up, ok player, (normally McCann) Star, Bench player, player that shouldnt be in MLB. With two more on bench that shouldnt be in MLB – Ankiel and McOut. It’s a sad state of affairs. BC should get an award if this team limps into the playoffs.
Dave Gallagher was my lunch lady...
September 29th, 2010
12:46 pm
BravesinPA
I FULLY agree with you!!! I live right outside of Philly and am a MASSIVE ATL fan… I was at all 3 games. See people that don’t get to the games and don’t live up here don’t understand because they havn’t seen it all, every aspect of Phillies baseball up close with their own two eyes in Philly with their fans in their park.
All 3 games in Philly were close and could have gone either way. AND ATL started 2 rookies with ZERO experience vs. the ‘08 WS MVP, and multi-Cy Young award winner and this years to be Cy winner and Oswalt who could easily have multiple Cy’s too. The fans in Philly were nervous and frustrated during all games until the Braves finally made a mistake and the Phils went up a run or two and they were still on edge. When Lidge came in they were all moaning and on the edge of their seats. Trust me Philly is very beatable and the fans will turn on them in a heart beat. Let’s get Huddy/Hanson/Re-Ignited Lowe up against them and I don’t see how they’re overmatched. Just got to keep their heads in the game and not try to do too much on O, everyone just play their games…
Chief Pitchanono
September 29th, 2010
12:55 pm
Trust me the phillies will not want to help us, but their skipper is doing what he has to do. He threw his playoff roatation as us last week and it worked and he has won the division and secured homefield advantage. His only drawback is that he only has 3 legitimate starters and he has worked them all very hard and they need the break. He has to start perparing his team for the division series now. I’m sure he would rather run his big three out their against us and do their best to make sure we don’t get in, but he can’t risk his starters being fatigued, with a limited bullpen in a short playoff series. Trust me I still think were the last team the phills want to face in the NLCS. Go Braves!
turtsnap
September 29th, 2010
1:06 pm
Jeff, is Carl Crawford a FA at the end of the year…. if so, what chances do you give that the Braves would be serious players to sign him?
jfreak13713
September 29th, 2010
1:32 pm
Lets be honest about the Phillies series. We state that the Phillies will bascially be playing their JV squad but compared to the Braves line up it should be a pretty even match! I don’t mean to be critical of the Braves I’m proud of them but Minor league pitching can handle this batting order on any night. It will come down to how well our bullpen holds up. Lower scoring games against the Phillies reserves might get us into the Playoffs but remains a BIG maybe in my mind.
Win today and deal with the Phillies this weekend I suppose?
newkid
September 29th, 2010
2:40 pm
Is Heyward really the only position player in today’s line-up still there from opening day? Completely new infield and patched-up outfield; my what a job of managing by Bobby. How does this compare to other contenders’ line-ups?
wawel78
September 29th, 2010
2:40 pm
I lol’d. Bobby loves to play this lefty/righty & righty/lefty game. Diaz hits righties better than McLouth does.
Anon21
September 29th, 2010
2:54 pm
If the 2006 Cardinals can be World Champions, anyone can be World Champions. I think we’re gonna make the playoffs, and I think we have a small chance to win it all. Let’s make the most of that chance.
Anon21
September 29th, 2010
2:57 pm
newkid: That’s technically true, but McCann hasn’t gone anywhere, and it was never the plan for him to start all 162 games, so that’s a red herring. McLouth is still around, although not starting today. The SS changeover was supposedly at Bobby’s request or on his behalf.
But yeah, overall the turnover has been huge.
TN Jeff
September 29th, 2010
3:00 pm
Compare Pete Rose’s bowling over the catcher in an All-Star game versus Brian McCann’s 2-handed silly slapping of the catchers glove as he’s being tagged out. Pretty comical. Also, McCann rarely IF ever blocks the plate to apply the tag when the Braves are in the field … just saying
61 year Braves Fan
September 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
Booby Cox new exactly what he was doing by not playing Hinske in Left Field. Then he could use him
last night.as a pinch-hitter like he did. The man’s a genius.
dcp
September 29th, 2010
3:24 pm
Braves in PA – get used to it – if you live in Philly, what the heck do you expect them to talk about? By the way, the Phillies are back to back NL champs, and have a recent history of winning when it counts, in the end. You need to give credit where credit is due. Their top 3 pitchers are better than any playoff caliber team. The Braves have quality starting pitching from their top 3 and a better bullpen, but their lineup is not as talented as the Phils, now that it is at full strength. Their defense is not nearly on par with the Phils, and the manager is a push. No one is saying the Braves can’t win if they reach the playoffs but it will be a uphill battle.
srf
September 29th, 2010
3:29 pm
Of course the Phillies will help the Braves get in – wouldn’t you ? It is one less team to worry about in the playoffs. They know the Braves are sputtering on fumes.
Gatorman
September 29th, 2010
4:56 pm
Actually, Philadelphia probably doesn’t care. San Diego has better pitching than the Braves, but their hitting is worse than the Braves. Always remember the first Florida World Series, most people didn’t think they were that good either (eked out a wild card), but they upset the National League top teams and then upset the American League champion. The difference was a solid team of hitters, and neither Braves or Padres have that.
Eric C.
September 29th, 2010
7:53 pm
Umpire Eric Gregg was the only reason the Marlins won it all in 1997. That game 5 of the NLCS with Livan Hernandez pitching a complete game still sticks in my mind as the worst called game I’ve ever seen. Fred McGriff couldn’t even reach some of the outside strikes called in that game.
Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2010
9:46 pm
Turtsnap — Yes Carl Crawford is a free agent but I doubt the Braves will be players. Too expensive. Buster Olney already has projected a bidding war between the Red Sox and Angels.
Falcons vs. Steelers is suddenly a hot Super Bowl pick | Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2010
9:54 pm
[...] ♦ Braves may get a helping hand to postseason — from Phillies [...]
Innocent Bystander
September 29th, 2010
10:07 pm
This may be a silly question… But when the Braves make the playoffs, what happens to all the players on the 40-man but NOT on the 25-man? Obviously they don’t play, but do they show up and dress out? Guys like Minor, Beachy, Freeman, etc. have all had their hand in ensuring a Braves playoff berth.
Build Your Own Hand Railing | Get your love back...
September 29th, 2010
11:40 pm
[...] Braves may get a helping hand to postseason — from Phillies … [...]
stop2think
September 30th, 2010
7:20 am
Bravesin PA: Most be tough hearing the Phillies are the favorites, huh? That’s how the division felt in the 90’s and in 1993 when the Braves were favored to win the NLCS but the Phillies beat them. I am surprised how you are disgusted with baseball talk in Philly. I mean, what do you want REAL fans to discuss when their team is in the pennant race, Georgia peaches?
BravesGuyTempeAZ
September 30th, 2010
7:32 am
Simply a pleasure to read an accurate report about the Braves with 3 games remaining….and what a 3-game series we’ve got! We need to sweep the division champs if we’re to get by them in the playoffs, that would be larger than HUGE, for our confidence level and to remind the Phillies who we’re playing for this season. I predict 3-0 sweep for Atlanta and Bobby Cox. Regardless of the Phillie’s resting their aces, our team could be unstoppable – we can survive with our 3 starters(as someone mentioned previously) and if they do well, our pen can get the job done, but I think one variable we’re forgetting;our skipper knows how to manage good players in the post-season.
There’s a particular fan in Tempe AZ that won’t be happy to see the end of this season and see one of the best managers ever leave baseball….(unless he goes away winning it all again)
Don
September 30th, 2010
9:03 am
93.75%
93.75%
93.75%– Bobby Cox’s FAILURE PERCENTAGE in Post Season opportunities compared to World Series Championships.
100%
100%
100% – What Bobby Cox’s FAILURE PERCENTAGE really should have been – BY ALL ODDS – Remember what it required for him to win even the ONE – Glavine had to pitch a one hit SHUTOUT of the best team in the American League with Cox’s Braves scoring only one run in the final game (and that on a homerun) – to even make it possible for Cox to win the ONE.
Don
September 30th, 2010
9:27 am
Mr. Shultz, I don’t understand your statement about Cox not having other options to playing Ankiel and McLouth.
He has been keeping both Hinske and Diaz on the bench while playing both McLouth and Ankiel at the same time in the outfield. – And has been keeping Melky on the bench while playing both McLouth and Ankiel.
Playing both McLouth and Ankiel has meant a struggle to score any runs at all in so many games.
Mitchell
September 30th, 2010
11:41 am
It remains to be seen how the Braves would do if they make it to the postseason. But few figured they would even be in this position with all the issues they’ve had this season.
Oh yes. Of course.
I mean, who would have ever in their wildest dreams could have imagined the Braves would still have a chance to make the playoffs with three games left to play after everything that’s happened this year.
It’s incredible.
It’s not like we were first place for three months or had six All Stars or the best record in the majors at home. Or anything like that.
Bobby has made this all possibly out of sheer force of will.
This team never should have had a chance, right?
I mean, they’re terrible.
I can’t wait to rejoice over winning the wild card… oh wait, we haven’t even won it yet and still might not.
But it still doesn’t change what a magical season it has been. Indeed.
I mean, if we had played just slightly over .500 on the road like every other respectable team in the league we’d have 100 wins.
But it’s more fun this way I guess.
Yay!
BravesGuyTempeAZ
September 30th, 2010
1:06 pm
Golly-jeez…..there, uh Don….I am 48 yrs. aged, and been devout Braves fan since 5th grade. I am aware, as are “93.75%” of Brave’s fans worldwide, including myself…was merely atteempting to polish up history just for kicks and giggles. I stipulate that Cox’s winning percentage is horrid. (there no further comments necessary, and I’LL STILL BE SAD TO SEE COX LEAVE THE GAME)
Keith
September 30th, 2010
2:05 pm
Re: Don
Why do you continue to bash Bobby? Have you seen our lineup?
He’s done an amazing job this year with what he has had to work with.
You guys that keep bringing up the World Series Win. Know what? Did you ever take the time to go look at the Yankees team payroll at the time the Braves played them (twice)? It’s over double. Yanks were just too good and had bought the best players. Cox was 0-2 vs Yanks, and 1-2 vs other teams if I’m not mistaken (Twins series went 7 games and Jays went 6). Not too bad at all. Cox’s career is legendary, unlike your redundant posts on this blog.
GO BRAVES
Keith
September 30th, 2010
2:08 pm
Re: Mitchell
I completely agree. It’s quite astounding.
We lose 2 All-stars in Chipper (HOFer) and Prado. We lost Medlen months ago who was our “luckiest” pitcher (i.e. Braves wins when he pitched). Glaus was terrible for a couple of months…Ankiel, Melky, etc., etc. have struggled. JJ has been injured for well over a month total. Saito, Oflarehty.
Our team has been carried by rookies:
Venters, Conrad, Kimbrel, Heyward.
Mclouth was sent to AAA.
Incredible year! GO BRAVES!!
Mike McDonald
September 30th, 2010
11:44 pm
Padres sweep SFO. Phillies sweep Braves. A fitting way to send off Bobby..