The Braves did finally take one from the Fish tonight, but they trail the recently reloaded Phillies by a whopping 7.5 games now. Wild card you ask? Although they only trail San Francisco by 3.5 games, there are 5 teams they must find a way to pass. Can it be done? Yes. Is it likely? No.
As good as the Bravos have played since the all-star break, they are still barely a .500 team. It doesn't look like they will add anyone before the trade deadline. All four teams in front of them in the wild card race have either already made moves or are poised to make them before Friday's 4:00 deadline. The Giants picked up Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko. St. Louis picked up former Brave and super utility man Mark DeRosa. Colorado obtained bullpen help. The Marlins are rumored to be talking with the Padres about two really good players in 1B Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bell.
Atlanta's starting pitching is really good, but there are too many flaws in other areas. The bullpen has been good at times but remains inconsistent. Gonzalez and Moylan scare me every time they enter a game. Soriano has been really good, but he blew a game Tuesday in Miami that Atlanta really needed.
Gone are the days of winning with the 3-run homer. I know McCann's 3-run homer won the game tonight, but the Braves lack the ability to win games with power. I miss the teams of the 90's that sent player after player to the plate that had the pop to go deep. You remember, Galarraga, McGriff, Justice, and Gant to name a few.
I will close by saying that I hope these Braves prove me wrong. I remember 19 years ago when they trailed the Dodgers by 9.5 at the all-star break and claimed the title by going 55-28 in the second half. Those were the good ole' days. Maybe they can find a Fred McGriff before 4:00 Friday, but I don't see it happening.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment