Live from the ballpark: Are we believing this playoff run?
Even now, an hourly check of the standings is required. Because the first five times you look, you don’t really believe what you find. Two and a half games back with a week to play? The Braves? The Atlanta Braves? The 2009 Atlanta Braves? Pull the other leg, pal.
The 2009 Atlanta Braves are in a playoff drive. We around here had grown accustomed to playoff drives, so the sensation shouldn’t feel new. But this one definitely feels funny. It’s the chase from nowhere. It’s the finish we didn’t see coming and still in many ways refuse to acknowledge. Here’s a team that was 23-21 on Memorial Day, 39-41 on the Fourth and 70-67 on Labor Day, and still it has a real chance.
On the morning of Sept. 10 the Braves were 8 1/2 games back of Colorado in the wild card standings. They also trailed San Francisco, Florida and Chicago. They have lost two games since. They’ve gone 14-2 since Bobby Cox pulled Tommy Hanson after eight shutout innings in Houston and Rafael Soriano lost the game in the ninth. If anybody among us says he saw this coming, that person is a big fat liar.
The old Braves — by old, we mean the teams of last decade — could summon up such streaks on cue. They were never out of any chase. They trailed the Dodgers by 9 1/2 games at the 1991 All-Star break and clinched the West on the season’s penultimate day. They trailed the Giants by 10 games in July 1993 and clinched three hours after beating Colorado in the season’s 162nd game. But the 2009 Braves, as we’ve lamented at high decibel and impassioned length, were not those Braves.
And yet here they are. On Monday night they were to play Florida in a game that could well tip the odds in this final sprint from “possible” to “probable.” Colorado had the day off, which meant the Braves would awake Tuesday either two or three games behind with six to play. You can see the Rockies losing twice. (They lost three times last week, giving the Braves an opening. And the Braves didn’t lose at all.) But three times?
The figure filberts on ESPN.com still afford the Braves only a 15 percent chance of making the playoffs. (Up from 6.4 percent 10 days ago.) But Colorado has to be feeling the hot breath from Hotlanta. If any team knows how hot a team can get in the final furlong, it’s the Rockies. Two years ago they won 13 of their final 14 games to force a one-game playoff with San Diego, in which they trailed by two runs in the bottom of the 13th. Next thing you knew, the Rocks were playing the (Red) Sox in the Series.
At this stage, it’s hard to see the Braves losing even once in four games to Washington, against which the regular season concludes. Granted, this is baseball, and any pitcher is liable to shut down somebody without warning, but still … would you bet against any of the Braves’ pitchers in any game against the worst team in baseball?
The Rockies, by way of contrast, close with three games at Dodger Stadium, and an even better Braves foil was undone there 16 years ago. The 1993 Giants won 103 games but lost on the season’s final day to their nemesis in blue, and the Braves, watching on TV having polished off Colorado — Glavine pitched and Justice hit a homer, a parlay we would see again to dramatic effect in October 1995 — celebrated the most of improbable runs.
Or so we thought. If they pull this off, they’d trump even that wonder. If they pull this off … well, we’d all look a little silly, wouldn’t we? Silly but giddy.
And with that: I conclude my part of the writing for the time being and invite your comments, predictions, movie recommendations. I’m at the ballpark and will be happy to chat until the cows come home, as we say in cow country.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
277 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:41 pm
Prado just misses a grand slam. Flies to the track in left.
Soriano to pitch the ninth.
Jim Ragan
September 28th, 2009
9:42 pm
I remember ‘93 like it was yesterday-I was stationed in Okinawa Japan and watched Game 162 live early Monday morning at around 3AM local time via satellite. It was exciting watching the Braves win over the Rox and then a while later see the Dodgers whip the Giants, giving Atlanta the-then National League West title.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 28th, 2009
9:43 pm
Thank Goodness I’ve never heard “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band played on a ball park organ. Rest in peace, Toy, Tommy, and George.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:43 pm
Mark Bradley
I read I.J. Rosenberg’s “Encore” (A diary of the 1992 season) book for the first time in about 16 years 2 weeks ago, and you guys are on point about those braves crowds back then
Even the Schools around the area observed that the braves were “Creepin on Ah Come Up”
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:44 pm
That was a neat day in the old stadium, Jim. About 20,000 people stuck around after the Braves game ended to watch the Giants lose on the matrix board, and the Braves celebrated on the field afterward.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:45 pm
Toy and Tommy Caldwell. I remember them well.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
Is it really, 4-0, Braves in the 9th inning? Do my eyes deceive me?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
Uggla fans. One out to go.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
nmdpa3
Howard did beat the Braves as he always does because moron Bobby still pitches to him when they’re runners on base
But I had a BF that series because the AWFense didn’t show up, it felt like the playoffs
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:47 pm
Ballgame. Two games back, six left. Unbelievable.
Headed downstairs now for postgame edification. I’ll be back forthwith.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
One strike left. And Soriano closes it out!! How many games back now??
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Uggla .239 with 30 hrs and 85 rbi.
Talk about swinging for the fences!
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Jim Ragan
I used to have that TBS game on tape in 1993!!!
but my mom stole it and recoreded Soap Operas over it…I haven’t forgave her since, ARRRGGGHHHH!
nmdpa3
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
2GB Wildcard, 4GB East
BravesFan79
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Why make Gonzo and Soriano warm up in a non save situation? Without and days off were really gonna need Moylan/ Gonzo/ Soriano for closer games.
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!
Charlie
September 28th, 2009
9:50 pm
Where are the Bobby Bashers? Watch the master and learn.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:51 pm
I really thought this was Bobby Cox’s last season with the Braves, so I wanted ownership to spend big, to get Bobby into the postseason one, last time. He’s re-signed, of course. But even so, I’d be thrilled to see what Cox and the Braves could do, if they could get back to the post season.
Is there a possibility of a “one-game playoff?” Or do the Braves have to outright beat the Rockies?
NRBQ
September 28th, 2009
9:52 pm
That was neat.
Pitching advantage tomorrow to the Fish.
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
9:54 pm
Thanks for keeping us company, Mark! It’s fun when you blog live from the games!
Charlie
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
Mark, remember if u wondered if Bobby was the right manager for these players? I think we got our answer.
Tim
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
My hat is off to the Braves. They won’t give up! I wish I was in Georgia so I could go to a game and let them know how much I appreciate them! Whether they make the playoffs or not, I proud to be a Braves fan!
JEB
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
Two weeks ago I heard the sound of the water going down the toilet
on this season…
In the last few days – we are finding out that someone stopped up the toilet!!
Pete
September 28th, 2009
9:58 pm
Brendan if Braves tie Rockies, then of course there is a 1 game playoff. It would be here in Atlanta next Monday night.
Buzz Capra
September 28th, 2009
9:58 pm
This run is incredible –the Bravos are playing some outstanding and inspired baseball. So I hate to even bring this up with a team that has won 14 of it’s last 16 –but getting swept in Cincinnati a few weeks ago is looming big now. Oh to have taken 2 out of 3 like we should have.
Pete
September 28th, 2009
10:00 pm
Brendan if Braves tie Rockies, there is a 1 game playoff in Atlanta next Monday.
Out of Town
September 28th, 2009
10:01 pm
…really just can’t believe this run. We still haven’t hit a lick but somehow we’re here. We walked 11 times tonight and still only four runs. Heck, just win, baby.
Cheese
September 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
I BELIEVEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CATCH the Rockies, CATCH the Phillies, BEAT the Dodgers, the CARDINALS, the YANKEES….all the way to a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP…YEAAAAAAAAAAAAH
GO TO THE F'N GAMES!!!
September 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
Get your butts to the stadium people! What’s wrong with you? 2 games back in the wild card and you cant get over 25K there? Pathetic…
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:03 pm
Co-Sign
Mark Bradley you need to blog during braves games more often…
I’m still a Bobby Basher, hence the fact I wasn’t at the game…he has cost the braves the playoffs for his boneheaded (I’m putting it lightly) moves this year…
Cheap ol, Liberty media can kiss my keyster as well
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:03 pm
Phillies look to lose too. They are only 4 ahead. I was glad to see la lose today. Gives them more reason to beat the rockies to get home field throughout. Go brew crew and go Braves!!
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Cool. I was afraid that the Rockies had the better head-to-head matchups for the year.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Oh…and I like boys
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Mark Bradley,
Hell of a game. Are you a believer?
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
JEB
I gave up on the Braves when we got Swept by AAA Cincinnati 2 weeks ago…
the braves will finish 1 game out of the lead for the W-card, “Bank On It!”
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:07 pm
Mark Bradley, Can Yo Bozo (kick off) the poster who claims he is me? the same dude follows me from D.O.B’s blog
obviously the dude has no life other than to follow me around the blogs and post juvenile statements
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:08 pm
If we can win 5 of the next 6, we get in or tie imo.
that way if the rockies lose 1 of 3 against milw and 2 of 3 in la, we will be tied. that is a likely scenario. of course the rockies could just get swepted in la like they have done before. i just hope the brewers win tomorrow!
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:08 pm
If there is a 1-game playoff, I foresee a walk-off HR in the 9th inning to send the Braves onward!! Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe the Braves have ever made the playoffs as a wildcard team before?
NL East Wildcards have a history to going to the World Series. Phillies did it in 1993. The Marlins won the Series in 1997 and 2003. I think the Mets did it in 2000, in that subways series with the Yankees. Could it be the Braves in ‘09???
sidslid
September 28th, 2009
10:09 pm
93 was the last pennant race. Wild card was in by 95
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:09 pm
Mark B do you think any team wants to play us in a 5 game series right now?
TP
September 28th, 2009
10:11 pm
I BELIEVE!!!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!!
eddie
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
Hooooty-hoo, holy guacamole, and god bless the braves. it’s the end of september and it ain’t over!
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
2009 – a year to remember! And it ain’t over yet. GO BRAVES!
Cheese
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
GO Braves
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:13 pm
Weren’t the Braves and Phillies in the same division in 1993?
BravesFan86
September 28th, 2009
10:15 pm
I BELIEVE!! GO BRAVOS!! YES WE MCCANN!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
10:16 pm
No, Woo Hoo, I don’t.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
10:17 pm
Oh, yes. I’m a believer. I think they’re going to play next week.
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:17 pm
How ironic would it be for us to get in this year and make it to the WS and win it with all the years we came so close and only won it all once. I’d love to get revenge on the Yanks!
ChurchMan
September 28th, 2009
10:21 pm
at first glance of the Brewer/Rockies pitching match-ups, nothing jumps out at me that says the Brew Crew are at a disadvantage.
A new guy vs. a struggling Marquis
Suppan, who pitches better on the road, vs. Hammel (close record, kinda high era)
Parra, pitched well against the philles, vs. a recently back from the DL Aaron Cook
add on top of the pressure that Milwaukee has nothing to lose and the Rockies have everything to lose.