OK, Braves fans: Maybe we SHOULD be watching this Series
David Freese gets his freeze-frame moment. He had a couple, actually. (AP photo)
Yeah, it was unbelievable. A team down to its last strike — twice! — will play one game to become the World Series champ. For sheer thrills, this Game 6 was a match for the Game 6 of 1975. (It wasn’t as well played, but hey, you can’t have everything.) But enough gushing. There’s a lesson to be had.
The Cardinals trailed the Braves by 8 1/2 games in September and were tied with the local nine after Game No. 161. (And, had the Braves not blown Game No. 162 in the ninth, they’d have been bound for a play-in game in Busch Stadium.) But we saw in Game 6 the chief difference between the 2011 Braves and these Redbirds.
The Braves had better starting pitching and a better bullpen, but the Braves’ lineup didn’t put pressure on an opponent the way the Cardinals’ does. Sometimes pressure isn’t always rewarded. Last night it was. St. Louis rallied to tie or take the lead five different times, most notably when facing two-run deficits in the ninth and the 10th.
The Braves could hit home runs. Indeed, they hit 11 more than the Cardinals over 162 games. But the Braves’ swing-hard-in-case-you-hit-it approach didn’t apply pressure in the way the Redbirds’ more clinical method does. For me, the biggest at-bats of Game 6 wasn’t David Freese’s tying triple or winning homer. They belonged to Lance Berkman, who was patient enough to take a walk with one out in the ninth and skilled enough to serve a Scott Feldman pitch into center field to tie it with two out in the 10th.
Those were examples of what we like to call professional hitting. The Braves had a lot of guys who could hit bad pitches hard, not so many who’d accept a single or a walk. The Cardinals’ on-base percentage was the third-best in the majors; the Braves’ was the fifth-worst.
After 162 games, there wasn’t much that separated these teams, but that was the part that did. It’s the reason one of the two will be playing a Game 7 tonight, and also the reason the other just hired a new hitting coach.
By Mark Bradley
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177 comments Add your comment
bvillebaron
October 28th, 2011
11:24 am
Big Apple:
To the contrary, the Braves did have a better bullpen than the Cards. The Braves’ epic collapse was the result of some of the poorest situational hitting I have ever seen as you and Mark correctly point out. How anyone could extol the alleged virtue of the Cardinals’ bullpen after watching this World Series must be watching different games than the ones I am watching.
Your comment about the Braves’ players not having heart to match their talent is also stupid. The Braves didn’t collapse due to lack of heart, but because of poor playing. I give the Cardinals credit for the comeback last night, but the fact of the matter is that any team that wins despite making 3 errors and playing like Little Leaguers for much of the game also had good fortune on its side (e.g. Cruz’s inexplicable failure to catch Freese’s triple and some stupid moves by Washington like not pinch hitting for Lewis with the bases loaded and sending out Oliver rather than Feliz in the 10th).
bro
October 28th, 2011
11:24 am
Why would you compare the Cards to the Braves. The cards have heart. The braves had no heart this year. The manager never fought for his players, he just went out and was there. Kinda like on of those dull debate guys. Washington and LaRussa both fight for their players and their team. It all starts with the top. Everything with the braves was just-”ok, maybe we will win tomorrow”. It would have been nice to have enough energy and spirit to win today. AND QUIT THAT STUPID ACT OF THROWING WATER AND DIRT ON YOUR OWN PLAYERS BEFOR ONE OF THEM GETS HURT. THAT IS NOT PROFESSIONAL AND WENT OUT IN THE FIRST GRADE. GROW UP A LITTLE AND PLAY BALL LIKE YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE 16 AND NOT SO DAMN IMPORTANT.
dean
October 28th, 2011
11:26 am
Bases loaded. Nobody out. No runs scored. Washington.
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
11:29 am
right on bro
bvillebaron
October 28th, 2011
11:30 am
Drive 8:
Feliz did not “dissolve” in the 9th inning. The Cardinals scored 2 runs to tie the game because inexplicably Cruz was unable to make what should have been the Series clinching catch despite the fact that he was almost standing on the warning track before the ball was hit.
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
11:35 am
bvillebaron..go back and look at replay. he was not almost on track but ball curved away from fielder..he would have been lucky to have made the play..but it does look like with more effort he could have.
Hillbilly D
October 28th, 2011
11:37 am
Watching both the bullpens in that game last night, can’t anybody throw any pitches other than fastballs, anymore? The radar gun is one of the worst things to happen to baseball.
Hillbilly D
October 28th, 2011
11:37 am
Well, MB’s blog is eating my posts again, might as well go.
bvillebaron
October 28th, 2011
11:38 am
Bro:
Stop with the Braves’ have no heart nonsense. I get sick and tired of people parading out this garbage every time a team fails and another succeeds. The Braves’ epic collapse had nothing to do with having less heart or desire to win than the Cardinals and everything to do with primarily demonstrating some of the worst situational hitting I have every seen throughout the year, but especially down the stretch combined with some ill-advised management decisions (such as continuing to send Lowe out to the mound despite the fact that he ERA from late August to the end of the year was around 10.00 (thus giving a team struggling to score runs virtually no chance to win) and not giving Teheran, the IL pitcher and rookie pitcher of the year who curiously was good enough to make two spots starts earlier in the year any chance to pitch until after Lowe had given up 5 or 6 runs through 3 or 4 innings in the next to last game).
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2011
11:40 am
I believe Feliz struck out Craig on a curve.
Sonny Clusters
October 28th, 2011
11:55 am
Fanny patting, hugging, and rubbing dirt on each other . . . all bode badly for this team. This is a team that was used to a lot of nose picking and there can easily be some confusion as a result. We hope they are watching the World Series and can see some real celebrations for some real accomplishments. Also, we would like to sympathize/empathize with Nolan Ryan. That last image of him on television was pretty sobering. He has the heart of a winner.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:16 pm
Okay I’m going to climb aboard the Joe Buck hate train.
How many times can you say “one strike/out/inning away from __________!” in a single game?
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
12:16 pm
I believe you right Mark after going back and looking.
Sonny @11;55 agree Prado started the dirt crap. If it gets in players eyes you got a problem..little league .
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:17 pm
Watch game 7 be a snooze with a soccer score: 1-0, 2-1, etc.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:20 pm
dean
October 28th, 2011
11:26 am
Bases loaded. Nobody out. No runs scored. Washington.
The ghost of the Expos comes back to haunt Atlanta…
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
12:28 pm
That game was on wayyyy too late. Move the start time to 6 or so, or even go to day games. That would be incredible to see.
Necromancer
October 28th, 2011
12:30 pm
I was watching that game last night and was thinking that if the Braves had an owner who actually gave a fig about winning, then the Braves would be playing in Game 7 tonight instead…
Klaus
October 28th, 2011
12:51 pm
Wren and FO are not big proponents of OBP. So it is not surprising they hired a hitting coach who isn’t either.
The Braves are also very reactive as a rule. In 2010 they had high OBP but they didnt get deep into the playoffs and face planted for much of September.
So by Brave’s logic OBP must not matter we need guys who can hit a bunch of HRs (hence the Uggla trade).
Now they had a season with low OBP, face planted in September, missed the playoffs entirely. Enter Walker and probably one guy Wren will get on the cheap who either hits HRs or had some glory day hits 5 years ago.
Bottom line the Braves org relies on pitching and is not one to be stats oriented after that. This is not a money ball team not even close. Their collective heads would hurt if they had to actually think about how their players fit together and should perform.
The hand pick them in a semi-vacuum with very little thought to how they will inter-operate so to speak.
Wren doesn’t build teams he chases ideas or individual players. His biggest need is one hole he saw in the previous year versus looking at the entire team creating a design center of sorts.
He speaks in generalities – a pitching team, athletic team etc, but is light on specifics.
BILLY MAYS HERE
October 28th, 2011
1:00 pm
You can have the greatest pitching staff in the world, but you will still lose if you don’t get points on the board. The Braves have never understood this.
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
You people kill me..How the hell u know what Walker thinks about obp? Wren has change the whole systems hitting coaches. How the hell do you know what they’re going to do? I know GW and you are wrong, sir.
I wasn’t going to say this but..Greg Walker will be at the Coffee -Colquitt football game tonight. They will interview him at half on Radio..www.dixie country.com if you would like to hear him and game.
People running their mouth about someone they don’t know is sick!
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
klaus & Don..how the he!! you know what Walker will do? Wren has just changed all minor league hitting coaches and hired two new ones for majors. Since when did you two become mind readers and can tell what they will do? Stop with the stupid commends about knowing what Walker believes and will do..one thing to know something another to guess.
Plate Appearance
October 28th, 2011
1:28 pm
Of course we should. It’s the World Series!
VABravesFan
October 28th, 2011
1:45 pm
As long as the Rangers win tonight, all will be right in the world of baseball.
DetroitBraves
October 28th, 2011
1:47 pm
@Reggie, I get the give them a chance angle but Klaus makes some really good points. The Braves seem devoid of a plan other than to stock pile young arms, which isn’t a bad plan at all but doesn’t help the team score runs, catch the ball or run the bases. I know there is some backlash against sabermetrics and “Moneyball” amongst certain segments of the media and fans but the truth is that all teams have analytical departments, and the better teams put a premium on those positions. Look at where some of the BP, Fangraphs, etc. writers of a few years ago are now employed. Teams that do not emphasize OBP as a critical, probably the most critical aspect of offense are behind the curve. Way behind the curve at this point. There is only one way to win – that is outscore your opponents. There are many ways to get there. The Braves only appear to be proficient at one of them.
LuisG
October 28th, 2011
1:55 pm
Pujols’ 9th inning at-bat was crucial, too. He shortened his swing and hit a line drive for a double with one out and nobody on-base, instead of trying to TIE the game with one swing.
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
2:00 pm
DetroitBrave.. The point I disagree with was saying Walker didn’t care about obp. I know he does and hope he can help change that. I’ve known GW since early 90’s..thats why it piss me off when people judge the man and don’t know what their talking about. I total agree we are behind the curve as you said. I’m praying that it’s changing now! Yes, it will take time but we must start somewhere.
You made a good point.
phil
October 28th, 2011
2:15 pm
I’ve known a number of people since the early 90’s, but it doesn’t mean any of them are qualified to be hitting coach of the Braves…
I’m afraid we’ll be worse next year than this the way things are going.
phil
October 28th, 2011
2:16 pm
Fire FG…
Reggie
October 28th, 2011
2:26 pm
phil..I love you man..I agree you probably know a few from 90’s…. I didn’t say anything about “qualified”..Read! “don’t care about obp” was my point because he does. We all know your goals..Fire Fredi, Fire Wren Fire everybody…etc….still respect your opinion.
alex
October 28th, 2011
2:47 pm
@wrecker,had to work, missed your response, you’re still an idiot, ;coasting,how ridiculous and uninformed…several books about larusso-google and read and learn;sticks and stones…,sorry about the name calling,sheeesh,MORON!!!
Playoffs!!!
October 28th, 2011
2:57 pm
The Braves are directly responsible for BOTH these teams being in the World Series!
8dogman
October 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Amen Playoffs!!!
TheAntiMe
October 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
lol – That photo of David Freese reminds me of that scene in Beetlejuice where Beetlejuice starts tugging on his foghorn.
JEB
October 28th, 2011
5:51 pm
I was watching as a true baseball fan of the game (not really pulling for either team)
BUT… I thought to myself: “If I were a Ranger fan I would be REALLY PO’d today and last night.
Bottom of the ninth – 2 outs – 1-2 count on the batter – get this out – GAME over – World Series Champions – and all of the heartbreak, nail biting, staying up late – frustration of a long season would have ended in triumph….
only to have it all pulled out from underneath you with one swing of the bat – not once – but twice!!!
kme
October 28th, 2011
7:01 pm
There is no question in my mind. I have been rooting for the Cardinals ever since they beat out the Braves in the NLCS. They are the team to beat, no question. They are die-hard winners…will not let up. I could not believe the tanacity of this team. I do hope they win the WS, all the way. And yes, the Braves SHOULD be watching this series and see what it takes to be a good winner. It would help them next season…for sure. The Cardinals deserve to be in this series far more than the Braves…no question about it!
MitchC
October 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
Mark, I havent watched much of this series, but I did watch some of it last night. I didnt see the final homer, though.
I will admit, when Jason Motte gave up Josh Hamilton’s homer, I was laughing my ass off, only to be disappointed when the Cards tied it. It didnt surprise me that the Cards won after that.
Of course, I never like to see the team that beat out the Braves win it all, but.. as much as I hate to say it, it will greatly surprise me if St Louis doesnt win tonight. I think that Texas will be hurting psychologically. They should have been back home by now, celebrating a World Championship.
I
I’ll probably watch some of the game tonight, but wont follow it as closely as if the Braves were in it,. I hope Texas wins, but, I’m not that involved to really care either way.
Mikeinla
October 28th, 2011
7:18 pm
BigAppleAwaits- There’s no way the cards pen is better than the braves. The Braves pen sputtered down the stretch, some from fatigue, but over the course of the year there’s no comparison. As other’s have said the difference between the two teams is the tenacity and situational hitting.
heb11:1
October 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
I just hope the Braves can bounce back next year. Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
Bravesbobblehead
October 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
The Cardinals play like they want it, the Braves flopped and played like they were going though the motions. The Cardinals played with fire and spirit, the Braves played like Little League kids knowing football season is soon to be starting.
Mitchell
October 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
Hi, I’m Mark Bradley.
The Braves missed the playoffs because they couldn’t hit.
Now they have a new hitting coach. But does a hitting coach really matter?
Don’t you think they either get too much credit or too much blame?
Okay, so the Braves went from 1st in on base percentage in 2010 to 11th in 2011 but what are you gonna do?
Still it was time for a change. Larry Parrish had to go.
Again, this is Mark Bradley. I have no integrity.
Mitchell
October 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
No reason to believe the Braves will “bounce back” from the unspeakable choke job they performed over the season’s final month.
Zero.
This team is regressing. They went from 86 wins to 91 to 89 all the while adding a bucket load of young talent.
They have averaged four All Stars the past three years and have made only one playoff appearance in six since.
One playoff series victory in ten years.
They suck.
The Cardinals are the real deal. The Braves are wanna-be’s.
Mitchell
October 28th, 2011
7:45 pm
In six since… winning 14 in a row.
Rowsdower
October 28th, 2011
9:03 pm
Hillbilly D
October 28th, 2011
11:01 am
I’m from the old school, in a crucial situation, late in a game, if you’re going to beat me, you got to hit the ball over the outfielders head. In my opinion, the “no doubles” defense is what lost that game for Texas.
Are you on crack or do you just not know anything about baseball? The ONLY way the Cardinals tie that game in the 9th is that Cruz wasn’t playing deep enough, i.e. No Doubles defense. If he doesn’t wander in 15-20 ft. he catches that ball easily and the Rangers are World Champions. He was badly out of position and compounded the probably by loafing back and taking the wrong angle to the ball. It hit the bottom of the wall for god sake. That ball ABSOLUTELY has to be caught.
If the Rangers lose Game 7, Cruz is the new Buckner…
Braves #17 Fan
October 28th, 2011
9:38 pm
@Rowsdower – I disagree with the Buckner statement. I thought he sort of drifted to the ball and that it could have been caught, but in no way does it compare to Buckner.
Johnnie
October 28th, 2011
9:50 pm
Mark dude…you just don’t get it. This team will never succeed as long as Chipper Jones is playing. He represents or is a symbol the old way of playing which is not winning when it counts. This team needs to move forward and learn from the mistakes of the past in order to lead towards the future. This current team lacks heart and determination, whereas the Cardinals have both.
Freddie G.
October 28th, 2011
9:59 pm
Well… Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to these guys. My job is complete. Go Cardinals!
What a joke.
Braves #17 Fan
October 28th, 2011
10:21 pm
The Chipper bashing and a good bit of the Braves blasting are based on some really weak theories. All this talk about having heart is totally unfounded. When team win, the heart they have shows more. The Braves have a lot of heart and it shows. Fair well fans, don’t pass judgement on the Braves, based on these posts. Atlanta fans tend to be a bit whiny, generally speaking. Here are some highlights of the Braves showing some heart:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/418806-every-2010-atlanta-braves-walk-off-and-last-ab-win-wvideo-links
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_15_sfnmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=atl#gid=2011_08_15_sfnmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=video
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_15_sfnmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=atl#gid=2011_08_15_sfnmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=video
Striker
October 28th, 2011
10:24 pm
I don’t buy this “no heart” talk about the Braves: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/418806-every-2010-atlanta-braves-walk-off-and-last-ab-win-wvideo-links.
26belly
October 28th, 2011
10:33 pm
Only an idiot-moron like Mark Braedly would peck a column like this. Who gives a hairy rats-ass about the St. Louis Cardinals. Do you think any sportswriters in the Big Apple lead with a heading…”OK, Yankee fans: Maybe we SHOULD be watching the Cardinals” Damned idiot! Typical fair-weathered Atlanta journalist! Head to Key West!
Striker
October 28th, 2011
11:06 pm
I’m starting to wonder if the home plate umpire is trying to help the Cardinals. The strike zone doesn’t seem consistent and seems much smaller when the Cards are batting.