Braves vs Dodgers NLDS thread

[bravesfanforlife88]

Dodgers announce Kershaw and Ryu will start games 1 and 2 but have not announced what order

I’d imagine Kershaw game 1 so you can bring him back for game 5 if need be

[Freshmaker]

Kersh vs Folty is gonna be a helluva matchup. Hopefully we get postseason Kershaw and not regular season Kershaw

[Prikichi]

The Braves ranked second in the NL with a .780 OPS vs. LHPs.
Acuna (.992 OPS), Freeman (.923) and Albies (.905) ranked 7th, 14th and 15th respectively in the NL vs. LHP
Albies had a .492 OPS vs. RHP and a .921 OPS vs. LHP after the All-Star break https://t.co/B66fHJ9U9S

[Prikichi]

Dansby Swanson did not take any swings today. It seems highly unlikely the Braves will place him on the NLDS roster.

[msstate7]

The Braves ranked second in the NL with a .780 OPS vs. LHPs.
Acuna (.992 OPS), Freeman (.923) and Albies (.905) ranked 7th, 14th and 15th respectively in the NL vs. LHP
Albies had a .492 OPS vs. RHP and a .921 OPS vs. LHP after the All-Star break https://t.co/B66fHJ9U9S

Wow, had no idea albies had such severe 2nd half splits

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Going against Ryu for game 2 makes me feel a lot better!

[bravesfanforlife88]

Wow, had no idea albies had such severe 2nd half splits

That is crazy

[BeanieAntics]

Hold me I'm scared.

[CyYoung31]

We all know how this goes.

Game 1: Braves get blown out.
Game 2: Braves win in dramatic fashion (we’re back in it! Momentum!)
Game 3: Braves lose in convincing fashion. Probably also a blow out, but not necessarily. Either way, we’re never really “in” it.
Game 4: This goes either one of two ways. Either the Braves lose in heart breaking fashion to end the season, or they win in dramatic fashion, similar to game 2 and force a game 5 (we got ‘em right where we want them!)
Game 5 (if necessary): Braves lose in convincing fashion, maybe even blown out.

I predict Albies makes the final out of the season.

[msstate7]

I'm thrilled we're here, and I realize the level of our opponent... I won't melt unless snit does something really stupid to cause us a game

[ixiXSolidXixi]

We all know how this goes.

Game 1: Braves get blown out.
Game 2: Braves win in dramatic fashion (we’re back in it! Momentum!)
Game 3: Braves lose in convincing fashion. Probably also a blow out, but not necessarily. Either way, we’re never really “in” it.
Game 4: This goes either one of two ways. Either the Braves lose in heart breaking fashion to end the season, or they win in dramatic fashion, similar to game 2 and force a game 5 (we got ‘em right where we want them!)
Game 5 (if necessary): Braves lose in convincing fashion, maybe even blown out.

I predict Albies makes the final out of the season.
Lol and why you watch baseball if you know already whats going to happen?

[BeanieAntics]

Lol and why you watch baseball if you know already whats going to happen?

Trust but verify.

[CyYoung31]

Lol and why you watch baseball if you know already whats going to happen?

I support my team, win or lose. You should look into it.

[Heyward]

Going against Ryu for game 2 makes me feel a lot better!

Ryu's been lights out for the last month, has a 1.9 ERA or so.

[Chipper]

Anyone know who the umpires will be? I already have a feeling a blown call will cost us at least one game.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Anyone know who the umpires will be? I already have a feeling a blown call will cost us at least one game.

Our luck we’ll get joe west, Sam Holbrook, cb Buckner, and angel hernandez

[thewupk]

Our luck we’ll get joe west, Sam Holbrook, cb Buckner, and angel hernandez

four horsemen of the apocalypse

[CrimsonCowboy]

Braves are going to be the underdog in this series. That would make a win even sweeter. Let’s go Braves!

[bravesfanMatt]

We have to wait till Thursday. This sucks. I am going to be pissy all week waiting.

[Chipper]

I predict we win game 1 Folty vs. Kershaw. After that Dodgers crush us. Hope I'm wrong, but years of getting my hopes up in the playoffs have changed me in a bad way.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Saw a video of Puig (though I don’t want to see it again) guaranteeing the Dodgers will win the World Series.

[CyYoung31]

I predict we win game 1 Folty vs. Kershaw. After that Dodgers crush us. Hope I'm wrong, but years of getting my hopes up in the playoffs have changed me in a bad way.

Then why do you think we’ll win game 1? We’ve literally lost 8 straight game 1s and every single one has been a blowout, except for 2010, which felt like a blow out because we were 1 hit by Lincecum and he retired 27 straight batters after the leadoff man got a hit.

[CyYoung31]

1046921095184637952

[Perfect Cell]

Dodgers will be the favorites, and were the team i didnt want us to face, but man im just glad we get ATL Playoff baseball, i just hope if we lose its a crush loss, and not the typical cut your heart out type Braves loss. The Craig Kimbrel in the dugout, Jim Leyritz in 1996, Sheffiled strikeing out with men on base vs the Giants, 20 innings vs the Astros type loss

[ixiXSolidXixi]

No matter what happen our kids will grow up with this series. No matter what happen our future is bright and this is just the beginning. We are the underdogs but i know Ronald Acuña and the rest of this team will play their hearts. We need to feel proud of everything we accomplish from now on!!

[jpx7]

1046921095184637952

Sort of want to rob his house now.

[Orphan Black]

Sweep or the season is a failure

[jpx7]

Sweep or the season is a failure

Sweep or we’re permanently Finnish.

[striker42]

I'm surprisingly calm. After years of losing and post season futility before that, I'm expecting the Dodgers to win. But I'm okay with that. Winning the division was unexpected so I already consider the season a huge success whether we beat the Dodgers or not.

[The Chosen One]

I’ve been saying it for weeks. This team is FINNISH.

[Chipper]

Then why do you think we’ll win game 1? We’ve literally lost 8 straight game 1s and every single one has been a blowout, except for 2010, which felt like a blow out because we were 1 hit by Lincecum and he retired 27 straight batters after the leadoff man got a hit.

Because I think Folty will pitch that well. We win 1-0 with a leadoff homer

[thewupk]

I'm surprisingly calm. After years of losing and post season futility before that, I'm expecting the Dodgers to win. But I'm okay with that. Winning the division was unexpected so I already consider the season a huge success whether we beat the Dodgers or not.

same

[Tapate50]

We have played really well on the road. I'm ok with not having HFA. Like the underdog narrative, so lets roll these fools.

[msstate7]

Gotta feeling we take 1 in LA

[CyYoung31]

I'm surprisingly calm. After years of losing and post season futility before that, I'm expecting the Dodgers to win. But I'm okay with that. Winning the division was unexpected so I already consider the season a huge success whether we beat the Dodgers or not.

This, but there’s no way I can truly be calm for playoff baseball. It’s going to hit me soon.

[CyYoung31]

Gotta feeling we take 1 in LA

And we know how accurate your hunches are.

[Dalyn]

:elefant:

[nsacpi]

We need to win 11 more games for this season to be considered a success.

[bravesfanMatt]

And we know how accurate your hunches are.

For real. We easily take 2

[bravesfanforlife88]

If we do win this series, Emma will be dancing.....a lot

[CyYoung31]

If we do win this series, Emma will be dancing.....a lot

If we win this series, I’ll donate my nuts to a charity of Enscheff’s choice.

[NYCBrave]

Totally different circumstances, but remember 2013 the Dodgers used Kershaw in game 1 and brought him back for game 4 on short rest. They were going to do the same with Greinke for game 5. Who knows if we see that again.

Also, any idea when game times will be announced? After Wild Card game? Already expecting 10 pm eat start time, at least on Friday when all 4 series play.

Sucks to not have Swanson, but I feel good about having Culberson. Unless he turns into Brooks Conrad circa 2010 NLDS on defense.

[GeorgiaGirl]

My call is this ends up being much more similar to the 2015 Astros-Royals ALDS, then any Braves playoff series of old (yes, with the Braves being the Astros in this case). Not exact though...

Game 1: Folty helps the Braves break the stretch of futility in game 1 with a strong effort through 6-7 innings, and like vs the Mets to open the NLDS in 2015, Kershaw pitches well, but gets worked enough to where he leaves with runners on after 6.2 IP pitched, and ends up with a 6.2 IP 3 ER and 11 K line because the 2 runners on scored. Braves add on a run in the 8th, and the Dodgers score 1 in the 9th, and the game ends with a 4-2 Braves win.
Game 2: Braves get 2 early runs off of Ryu (I say Camargo hits a 2 run homer in the 1st) and Sanchez pitches 5 innings of scoreless ball, but ends up leaving with runners on 2nd and 3rd after he gets 2 outs in the 6th, and the bullpen allows both to score to tie it. Then Minter gives up a walk off homer to Justin Turner in the 9th.
Game 3: Gausman pitches 6 innings and gives up 2 runs, Buehler pitches even better (6.2 IP of scoreless ball), but the Braves tie it in the 8th, and Camargo hits a walk off homer in the 9th.
Game 4: This game will end up being a game that should have been known for Acuna and Albies heroics, but it won't be. Acuna hits 2 home runs in the game, a leadoff homer and 2 run bomb, Albies hits a 3 run homer as well in this game, the Braves will be up 6-2, but an error by Charlie Culberson in the 7th opens the floodgates to a tie game, and the Braves lose, 8-6.
Game 5: Kershaw goes 8 IP 0 ER 12 K, Folty pitches 6 innings and gives up 2 runs, possibly giving up the series losing bomb to Matt Kemp, and Jansen closes us out.

I predict this ends up being a series where we'll think we could've won with Dansby manning SS and the Dodgers close the deal on winning a WS this time.

[Super]

If we win this series, I’ll donate my nuts to a charity of Enscheff’s choice.

what's the point of such a small donation

[CyYoung31]

what's the point of such a small donation

It will be the biggest donation he’s ever seen.

[clvclv]

If we do win this series, Emma will be dancing.....a lot

Emma needs to be dancing...a lot...anyway.

[Enscheff]

Totally different circumstances, but remember 2013 the Dodgers used Kershaw in game 1 and brought him back for game 4 on short rest. They were going to do the same with Greinke for game 5. Who knows if we see that again.

Also, any idea when game times will be announced? After Wild Card game? Already expecting 10 pm eat start time, at least on Friday when all 4 series play.

Sucks to not have Swanson, but I feel good about having Culberson. Unless he turns into Brooks Conrad circa 2010 NLDS on defense.

Game 1: 5:37 pm PST
Game 2: 6:37 pm PST
Game 3: 5:07 pm PST

A little odd they make the game in ATL start at 8pm local time, but they have to accommodate all the LAD fans on TV above all else.

[UNCBlue012]

Game 1: 5:37 pm PST
Game 2: 6:37 pm PST
Game 3: 5:07 pm PST

A little odd they make the game in ATL start at 8pm local time, but they have to accommodate all the LAD fans on TV above all else.

At least it's not overly late. I'm stoked either way. At least Kimbrel can't be underutilized this time.

[BeanieAntics]

Guys! We made number 1 on this person's "Which Team's Politics Do I Agree With The Most?" list. I couldn't be more proud of our boys. Now I know, win or lose, at least we don't have anyone "unsavory" on our team. That Tomahawk Chop though....

https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/10/2/17912254/mlb-postseason-every-team-ranked-cubs-dodgers-yankees-red-sox-braves-indians-astros

[NYCBrave]

At least it's not overly late. I'm stoked either way. At least Kimbrel can't be underutilized this time.

Yea I was expecting 10-1030 or so start times. So can live with this.

[NYCBrave]

Game 1: 5:37 pm PST
Game 2: 6:37 pm PST
Game 3: 5:07 pm PST

A little odd they make the game in ATL start at 8pm local time, but they have to accommodate all the LAD fans on TV above all else.

Also of note, our game 1 is only on MLB Network. Not sure if people are going to have issues watching.

[thewupk]

Also of note, our game 1 is only on MLB Network. Not sure if people are going to have issues watching.

ill be streaming it through reddit anyways

[msstate7]

Also of note, our game 1 is only on MLB Network. Not sure if people are going to have issues watching.
Shouldn't be an issue. Doubt local has rights to this game

[UNCBlue012]

Folty has been announced the Game 1 starter. To no one's surprise.

[bravesfanforlife88]

per MLB.com

PROJECTED BRAVES ROSTER
Standard lineup
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., LF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Nick Markakis, RF
5. Kurt Suzuki, C
6. Johan Camargo, 3B
7. Ender Inciarte, CF
8. Charlie Culberson, SS

Bench
• Tyler Flowers, C
• Lucas Duda, 1B
• Lane Adams, OF
• Ryan Flaherty, INF
• Rene Rivera, C

Starting pitchers
• Mike Foltynewicz, RHP
• Anibal Sanchez, RHP
• Kevin Gausman, RHP
• Julio Teheran, RHP

Bullpen
• Arodys Vizcaino, RHP/CL
• A.J. Minter, LHP
• Chad Sobotka, RHP
• Jonny Venters, LHP
• Sam Freeman, LHP
• Max Fried, LHP
• Touki Toussaint, RHP
• Brad Brach, RHP

Notes: Lineup and bench based on the assumption Dansby Swanson (torn ligament left hand) won't be ready. Fried and Toussaint provide two long relief options, but Fried may be used as a matchup/middle reliever. Slight chance Sean Newcomb will be the fourth starter. But the Dodgers' late-season improvement vs. LHP makes Teheran the more likely candidate. Carrying a third catcher allows Flowers or Suzuki to be a RH pinch-hit option.

[CyYoung31]

Guys! We made number 1 on this person's "Which Team's Politics Do I Agree With The Most?" list. I couldn't be more proud of our boys. Now I know, win or lose, at least we don't have anyone "unsavory" on our team. That Tomahawk Chop though....

https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/10/2/17912254/mlb-postseason-every-team-ranked-cubs-dodgers-yankees-red-sox-braves-indians-astros

America’s Team.

[Enscheff]

The 2 most likely scenarios for a Braves loss are:

1. Kershaw/Ryu/Hill/Buehler dominate
2. The Braves BP falters with BBs

[nsacpi]

I won't predict a winner, but I will predict that the road team will win most of the games in this series.

[jpx7]

Guys! We made number 1 on this person's "Which Team's Politics Do I Agree With The Most?" list. I couldn't be more proud of our boys. Now I know, win or lose, at least we don't have anyone "unsavory" on our team. That Tomahawk Chop though....

https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/10/2/17912254/mlb-postseason-every-team-ranked-cubs-dodgers-yankees-red-sox-braves-indians-astros

Brandon McCarthy’s been yuge in that respect.

But, on a serious note, I’m not sure dinging teams for employing spouse abusers qualifies as a “political” stance as much as it’s just a reflection of human decency.

[nsacpi]

Brandon McCarthy’s been yuge in that respect.

But, on a serious note, I’m not sure dinging teams for employing spouse abusers qualifies as a “political” stance as much as it’s just a reflection of human decency.

Ozzie should be dinged for being cheap when tipping.

[Enscheff]

Brandon McCarthy’s been yuge in that respect.

But, on a serious note, I’m not sure dinging teams for employing spouse abusers qualifies as a “political” stance as much as it’s just a reflection of human decency.

Really? Seems to me one side would be more likely to back abusers of any type than the other side...

[thewupk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=60&v=VZfEv4JqxHQ

I like how they used an audio clip of Joe around 42 secs in to depict a grumpy old man

[Ozzie Swanson]

Ben Ingram was just on 680 the fan and said he thinks the Braves may start Newcomb in game 2.

[BeanieAntics]

Brandon McCarthy’s been yuge in that respect.

But, on a serious note, I’m not sure dinging teams for employing spouse abusers qualifies as a “political” stance as much as it’s just a reflection of human decency.

There was far more in that article that could be qualified as political speak than just spousal abuse, which I would not put in that category. The Indians thing, the Daniel Murphy thing, the Tomahawk chop thing... I mean come on.

Edit: I don't put spousal abuse in the category of political, obviously

[Prikichi]

Has the umpiring crew been announced already?

[Ozzie Swanson]

Has the umpiring crew been announced already?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DohPRamU4AAccwx.jpg:large

[jsebe10]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DohPRamU4AAccwx.jpg:large

Great...fckn Eddings...someone will sneeze in the dugout and get tossed...That dude needs serious counseling

[Ozzie Swanson]

We avoid Angel Hernandez, CB Bucknor, Laz Diaz, Joe West, and Sam Holbrook. I'll consider that a win.

[Heyward]

Ryu going Game 1, Kershaw Game 2, just got alert on my phone.

[BeanieAntics]

Ryu going Game 1, Kershaw Game 2, just got alert on my phone.

Hellz to the yizzeah. Possibility of only seeing Kershaw/Buehler in two games? I'm diggity down dawg. Ya dig?

[GeorgiaGirl]

Wow, that's unexpected. Make Dave Roberts pay for that. Ryu is good and has had outstanding numbers, but while I've said Buehler scares me the most of their starters, that doesn't seem smart to kind of even be cocky of not starting your ace game 1.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Yep we have to take advantage of them not going with Kershaw game 1. Get out of LA with a split and I'm happy.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Ryu has been pretty good recently going into the playoffs

In his last 15 games he is 7-3 with a 1.97 era...good K/BB rate...averaging under 6 innings per game

[jsebe10]

Ryu going Game 1, Kershaw Game 2, just got alert on my phone.

Obviously says that Roberts is very confident in Ryu being able to shut us down.

[Freshmaker]

Obviously says that Roberts is very confident in Ryu being able to shut us down.

only thing Ryu is shutting down is the clubhouse buffet

[salmagundy]

Game times for 1st 3 games and TV schedule. Unfortunately my Directv package does not include either Fox Sports 1 or ESPN or MLB Network.

David O'Brien
‏
Verified account

@DOBrienATL
10h10 hours ago
More
#Braves vs #Dodgers⁠ ⁠ start times for first three games (EDT): 8:37 p.m. Thursday (MLB Network), 9:37 p.m. Friday (FS1), 8:07 p.m. Sunday (FS1)

[Oklahomabrave]

I’m driving from Baton Rouge for game 3. My first playoff game, I’m stoked.

[Ozzie Swanson]

Game times for 1st 3 games and TV schedule. Unfortunately my Directv package does not include either Fox Sports 1 or ESPN or MLB Network.

David O'Brien
‏
Verified account

@DOBrienATL
10h10 hours ago
More
#Braves vs #Dodgers⁠ ⁠ start times for first three games (EDT): 8:37 p.m. Thursday (MLB Network), 9:37 p.m. Friday (FS1), 8:07 p.m. Sunday (FS1)

Reddit MLB streams or MLBtv.

[NYCBrave]

Hellz to the yizzeah. Possibility of only seeing Kershaw/Buehler in two games? I'm diggity down dawg. Ya dig?

Actually, Kershaw could come back for Game 5 and he'd be on 4 days rest. Game 5 is on next Wednesday. He's pitching on Friday. I believe that's their plan.

Now if they wanted to use Ryu twice, he'd have to pitch game 4 on 3 days rest. Curious to see who will start game 4.

[thewupk]

Great...fckn Eddings...someone will sneeze in the dugout and get tossed...That dude needs serious counseling

I'll honestly take that compared to some of the other jokers we could have gotten.

[salmagundy]

Reddit MLB streams or MLBtv.

Thanks. I'll try to find both.

[bravesnumberone]

How secure are the Reddit streams? Pisses me the hell off they're doing it on MLB Network.

[thewupk]

How secure are the Reddit streams? Pisses me the hell off they're doing it on MLB Network.

It's good. Been using it all year.

[Super]

Game times for 1st 3 games and TV schedule. Unfortunately my Directv package does not include either Fox Sports 1 or ESPN or MLB Network.

David O'Brien
‏
Verified account

@DOBrienATL
10h10 hours ago
More
#Braves vs #Dodgers⁠ ⁠ start times for first three games (EDT): 8:37 p.m. Thursday (MLB Network), 9:37 p.m. Friday (FS1), 8:07 p.m. Sunday (FS1)

reddit.com/r/mlbstreams

there's almost always ad overlays, but usually totally fine after that. sometimes these have worked better for me than streaming on various legit apps due to the apps being garbage.

[NYCBrave]

If it matters to anyone, none of the experts on ESPN or MLB.com are picking the Braves to win.

[Super]

If it matters to anyone, none of the experts on ESPN or MLB.com are picking the Braves to win.

what does chipper think?

[bravesfanforlife88]

If it matters to anyone, none of the experts on ESPN or MLB.com are picking the Braves to win.

Most of us here don’t expect the braves to win, but at the end of the day the games still have to be played

[bravesnumberone]

Looking at it objectively, there's not many arguments to be made for the Braves winning. But it's already been a great year. We've been in the Dodgers' position of heavy favorite multiple times and look how that turned out.

[cajunrevenge]

Anything can happen in a 5 game series. I think young teams do the best in the playoffs because they have more fire and urgency. Its less about a paycheck to them. They are many years from free agency. The Dodgers are the team with all the pressure on them.All the big payrolls and no championships to show for it so far.

[Chipper]

what does chipper think?

As I said earlier, Braves win the first game, then get stomped next three.

[Super]

i'm more optimistic than most i guess. i think we have a decent shot.

[Enscheff]

The Dodgers are unquestionably the better team...but so were the Nats.

However, the Braves are a pretty good offensive team vs LHP, and the Dodgers will be starting a lot of LHP. I think that fact has been largely glossed over by almost everyone.

The Braves are certainly capable of winning 3 out of 5 games (all MLB teams are), and in a surprise season like this these next few days are all gravy anyways. I would have considered 80 wins a huge success, much less 90 and a division title. The thing to be most excited about is that the contention window is just now opening...finally.

[Freshmaker]

We don’t get a lot of love over at The Athletic, but their Analytics Writer, Eno Sarris, is predicting that we make the WS and lose to the Indians in 6

[thewupk]

The Dodgers are unquestionably the better team...but so were the Nats.

However, the Braves are a pretty good offensive team vs LHP, and the Dodgers will be starting a lot of LHP. I think that fact has been largely glossed over by almost everyone.

The Braves are certainly capable of winning 3 out of 5 games (all MLB teams are), and in a surprise season like this these next few days are all gravy anyways. I would have considered 80 wins a huge success, much less 90 and a division title. The thing to be most excited about is that the contention window is just now opening...finally.

What's funny is espn has a page that shows who the Braves who would be good or bad against on the possible matchups throughout the playoffs. They had the Braves doing good against the Cubs due to their lefties and how the Braves hit well against them. No mention of that regarding their matchup with the Dodgers though.

[bravesfanforlife88]

If it matters to anyone, none of the experts on ESPN or MLB.com are picking the Braves to win.

https://www.jokejive.com/images/jokejive/76/76ba2e9851f2ad945ac66d72ddfc3952.jpeg

[BeanieAntics]

It's good. Been using it all year.

It's great actually. I get to watch the game, and I get to meet horny local seniors in my area. Its a win win.

[BeanieAntics]

The Dodgers are unquestionably the better team...but so were the Nats.

However, the Braves are a pretty good offensive team vs LHP, and the Dodgers will be starting a lot of LHP. I think that fact has been largely glossed over by almost everyone.

The Braves are certainly capable of winning 3 out of 5 games (all MLB teams are), and in a surprise season like this these next few days are all gravy anyways. I would have considered 80 wins a huge success, much less 90 and a division title. The thing to be most excited about is that the contention window is just now opening...finally.

Yep and given the way it has opened, I'm actually expecting a contention window that is a little bit longer than the one I would have guessed before this season. I think we'll be a competitive ball club until at least 2023 unless something goes horribly wrong.

[BeanieAntics]

I think we will win game 1, lose game 2, lose game 3, win game 4, and have a deciding game 5 in Los Angeles. Hard to predict what will happen there.

[Diesel]

I think we will win game 1, lose game 2, lose game 3, win game 4, and have a deciding game 5 in Los Angeles. Hard to predict what will happen there.

LOL No problem predicting the first 4 games but game 5 is “hard to predict “. Just made me chuckle :)

[nsacpi]

Game 1: Braves 4 Dodgers 2, 10 innings. Solo home run by Albies. 2 run single by Fredito in the 10th.

Game 2: Braves 2, Dodgers 1. Yuge performance by Anibal.

Game 3: Dodgers 5, Braves 1. Ferris Buehler's nephew proves to be too much for the Bravos.

Game 4: Braves 4, Dodgers 2. Quality start by Julion. Bravos score 4 early and hold on.

[nsacpi]

LOL No problem predicting the first 4 games but game 5 is “hard to predict “. Just made me chuckle :)

Game 5 is always more difficult to predict. Its a well known fact.

[clvclv]

Make sure to keep this on the down-low...

AA's talking to Snit about bumping Folty to Game 3 at home to match up with Buehler - they're considering going with Smoltzie tomorrow night and Maddux on Friday.

[Enscheff]

I know the Braves have never used an opener, and certainly won't start using one in Game 1 of the NLDS, but...

This Dodgers lineup actually sets itself up almost perfectly for the Braves to use a LHP as an opener against Pederson/Muncy, with Folty acting as the "bulk guy" before handing the ball off to Viz/Minter.

[Super]

I know the Braves have never used an opener, and certainly won't start using one in Game 1 of the NLDS, but...

This Dodgers lineup actually sets itself up almost perfectly for the Braves to use a LHP as an opener against Pederson/Muncy, with Folty acting as the "bulk guy" before handing the ball off to Viz/Minter.

I was thinking about this yesterday. it seems like a perfect opportunity. it won't happen tho.

[nsacpi]

I know the Braves have never used an opener, and certainly won't start using one in Game 1 of the NLDS, but...

This Dodgers lineup actually sets itself up almost perfectly for the Braves to use a LHP as an opener against Pederson/Muncy, with Folty acting as the "bulk guy" before handing the ball off to Viz/Minter.

Another idea is to use 2 starters (1 lefty and 1 righty) for one trip through the lineup each.

Say Teheran goes 3. Then Newcomb goes 3.

The Dodgers would optimize their lineup for whoever is starting. By bringing in an opposite handed pitcher, we force them to either accept the unfavorable platoon match or burn players. Then the third time through the lineup, we use our pen to get the best matchup without having to worry about them flipping players to get the matchup advantage.

I wouldn't do this with Folty. But Newcomb/Fried in tandem with Suarez/Gausman/Teheran/Touki.

I think if we carried the right mix and number of guys in the pen we could have a yuge amount of flexibility. We could implement a strategy where we replace our starter very early in the game if necessary.

One benefit of this is we can pinch hit very early if the pitcher's spot comes up in a high leverage situation. Lets say its a 1-1 game in the third inning. Pitchers spot comes up with the bases loaded. I say lift him right there.

[bravesfanMatt]

I know the Braves have never used an opener, and certainly won't start using one in Game 1 of the NLDS, but...

This Dodgers lineup actually sets itself up almost perfectly for the Braves to use a LHP as an opener against Pederson/Muncy, with Folty acting as the "bulk guy" before handing the ball off to Viz/Minter.

Not a bad thought. You could have venters open and face hitters 1-3. Pitching around the 2 hole hitter. If he clears the first. Then Folty starts the 2nd. If Manny comes up then you put Folty in. This allows Folty to face the entire dodger lineup 3 times except the top 3 hitters.

[IowaBrave14]

ill be streaming it through reddit anyways

I just signed up for Reddit and have never streamed from that site....pretty easy?

[MadduxFanII]

PREDICTION:

Game One: Braves win 37-0. Injure Turner, Bellinger and Puig with line drives.

Game Two: Braves win 21-0. Injure Kershaw, Muncy and Pederson with line drives.

Game Three: Dodgers cry, forfeit.

[Enscheff]

Not a bad thought. You could have venters open and face hitters 1-3. Pitching around the 2 hole hitter. If he clears the first. Then Folty starts the 2nd. If Manny comes up then you put Folty in. This allows Folty to face the entire dodger lineup 3 times except the top 3 hitters.

That’s the main idea begind the opener. Allow the SP to face 23-24 batters without facing the top 3-4 guys three times.

That’s why it works so well.

[Super]

I just signed up for Reddit and have never streamed from that site....pretty easy?

you don't even have to sign up, but yes, very easy.

go to: reddit.com/r/mlbstreams
there will be a specific thread for the Braves game. Go to that, and multiple links will be posted by people.

[blueagleace1]

Not a bad thought. You could have venters open and face hitters 1-3. Pitching around the 2 hole hitter. If he clears the first. Then Folty starts the 2nd. If Manny comes up then you put Folty in. This allows Folty to face the entire dodger lineup 3 times except the top 3 hitters.

Venters got shelled by Washington when he was used as an "opener" for the Rays. For what it's worth.

His line that day...

0.1 IP
3 H
2 BB
1 K
5 R
5 ER

[nsacpi]

Venters got shelled by Washington when he was used as an "opener" for the Rays. For what it's worth.

His line that day...

0.1 IP
3 H
2 BB
1 K
5 R
5 ER

i'm not sure i can back this up with hard data, but some guys strike me as better starting an inning and others better coming in during an inning...the latter kind seems to be harder to find...and Jonny V is definitely in that category

[bravesfanMatt]

Venters got shelled by Washington when he was used as an "opener" for the Rays. For what it's worth.

His line that day...

0.1 IP
3 H
2 BB
1 K
5 R
5 ER

Everyone has a bad day. But venters was just a name of someone who is lefty

[Heyward]

Hellz to the yizzeah. Possibility of only seeing Kershaw/Buehler in two games? I'm diggity down dawg. Ya dig?

Kershaw would be on regular rest in a possible game 5, so we could see him twice, and Buehler Game 3.

[blueagleace1]

Everyone has a bad day. But venters was just a name of someone who is lefty

Just making a point with data

[bravesfanMatt]

Just making a point with data

Yeah. I know. Just counter pointing. Plus if I am remember correctly. That was shortly after he came back

[BeanieAntics]

LOL No problem predicting the first 4 games but game 5 is “hard to predict “. Just made me chuckle :)

Well, its much easier to predict the starters for the first 4 games. I'm not really predicting anything concretely, just saying what I think the outlook is at the moment. I like the Folty vs. Ryu matchup in game 1 and possibly game 4. The Buehler and Kershaw games are going to be brutal. If we can steal one of those I think we can win it.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Well, its much easier to predict the starters for the first 4 games. I'm not really predicting anything concretely, just saying what I think the outlook is at the moment. I like the Folty vs. Ryu matchup in game 1 and possibly game 4. The Buehler and Kershaw games are going to be brutal. If we can steal one of those I think we can win it.

I actually feel okay about the Kershaw game. He has struggled recently...If we can win against Ryu and scratch out a win against Kershaw, this series is finnish

[Enscheff]

I actually feel okay about the Kershaw game. He has struggled recently...If we can win against Ryu and scratch out a win against Kershaw, this series is finnish

You mean to tell us your hot take is that if the Braves take a 2-0 series lead they are likely to win the 5 game series?

[CrimsonCowboy]

1047624635800412160

Um, okay?

[CyYoung31]

1047624635800412160

Um, okay?

That’s funny. But, I believe the Braves, collectively, have the best hair game in the majors.

[CyYoung31]

1047624815681495040

[CrimsonCowboy]

1047626542191325185

[CyYoung31]

1047626542191325185

Players loved Fredi though.

[thewupk]

1047626542191325185

damn

[Tapate50]

1047626542191325185

JEEEEEEZ

[Tapate50]

1047624635800412160

Um, okay?

Guy has clearly never seen the Wonder Twins in action together.

[CyYoung31]

Sanchez is starting game 2. Dansby out for postseason. Per DOB.

[thewupk]

Sanchez is starting game 2. Dansby out for postseason. Per DOB.

That sucks. But the Braves have been very fortunate re: injuries up until this point

[Buzzworm]

Sanchez is starting game 2. Dansby out for postseason. Per DOB.

Feel bad for Dans.Would really suck to put so much work into the season only to have to watch the postseason from the bench.Always thought he would be a Lemke type player and be better in the postseason.

[Tapate50]

When are we gonna see a damn roster?

[Lenny]

That's what I came to this thread looking for. I thought it was due out by 10? Maybe that was west coast time.

[Enscheff]

1047626542191325185

We can only hope the Braves are ready to deploy their BP as if it's 2018.

[jpx7]

1047626542191325185

I’m right there with dude.

[thethe]

Go Braves.

Love you All.

Max Fried should be one of our starters in the playoffs.

Back to South Dakota.

[thewupk]

Go Braves.

Love you All.

Max Fried should be one of our starters in the playoffs.

Back to South Dakota.

Not dead I see.

[Perfect Cell]

1047626542191325185

God i wish we had never traded him

[Hulavol]

Today is what we have been waiting for fellas... I feel very confident we get out of LA with a two game lead.

[UNCBlue012]

1047895645762310144

Solid! No Duvall and Fried makes it :) No Sam Freeman is a bit surprising.

[BeanieAntics]

Go Braves.

Love you All.

Max Fried should be one of our starters in the playoffs.

Back to South Dakota.

thethe!!!!

[BeanieAntics]

Today is what we have been waiting for fellas... thethe is back!!!!

FIFY

[DirkPiggler]

1047895645762310144

Solid! No Duvall and Fried makes it :) No Sam Freeman is a bit surprising.

I'm fine with all of it excluding Flaherty.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Love that Biddle and Freeman were left out. Both have been terrible recently

[Super]

I'm fine with all of it excluding Flaherty.

yes, what is the point of him again? i was so happy when it looked like we were finished with him.

[nsacpi]

Hmmm...no Freeman and Biddle...just three lefties (Venters, Fried and Newcomb who I presume will be in the pen).

[Super]

Love that Biddle and Freeman were left out. Both have been terrible recently

biddle is probably just worn out. better off without him probably. unfortunate considering how good he was throughout most of the season.

[Southcack77]

Cold blooded leaving Duvall off.

Not having Biddle, Carle, Freeman, Jackson, is going to confuse the hell out of Snitker.

Feels like they are taking too many starters.

[Super]

Feels like they are taking too many starters.

gotta think newk and fried at least are RPs. maybe touki. and they can all go more than an inning. so it could be smart.

[Super]

yes, what is the point of him again? i was so happy when it looked like we were finished with him.

i guess with dansby out we need another IF.

[nsacpi]

i can't blame them for going with the in-form pitchers (Fried and Touki) over the guys who have done the job during the season but faltered late (Biddle and Winkler)...you have to do that in the post-season

they also took the same philosophy with respect to Duvall and went with the pinch runner catcher combo (Adams/Rivera).

it looks to me like Fried and Venters could be the most pivotal players in this series for us

[BeanieAntics]

Love that Biddle and Freeman were left out. Both have been terrible recently

Uhhhhh Freeman has been really really good recently. Not sure what you're talking about. He hasn't given up an earned run since July 28th.

[UNCBlue012]

Go Braves.

Love you All.

Max Fried should be one of our starters in the playoffs.

Back to South Dakota.

HE IS HERE

[Super]

what's everyone's game time meals...i'm going with grilled bone-in pork chops with a glaze and a side of Brussels sprouts.

[BeanieAntics]

Can someone explain leaving Sam Freeman off to me? I just don't understand it at all. The guy has been great for the past month and a half so its hard for me to buy this hot hand approach that people think the front office is selling. Really wish we would have left Rivera off and gone with Sam. I just don't think that 3rd catcher has much value at all

[Super]

Can someone explain leaving Sam Freeman off to me? I just don't understand it at all. The guy has been great for the past month and a half so its hard for me to buy this hot hand approach that people think the front office is selling. Really wish we would have left Rivera off and gone with Sam. I just don't think that 3rd catcher has much value at all

as nscapi and i both mentioned, it's probably in favor of guys who can go multiple innings if a starter needs to be pulled early.

[zbhargrove]

Love that Biddle and Freeman were left out. Both have been terrible recently

Huh? Freeman has absolutely dominated since coming off the DL dude

[BeanieAntics]

as nscapi and i both mentioned, it's probably in favor of guys who can go multiple innings if a starter needs to be pulled early.

I can buy that argument in terms of carrying Touki, Newcomb, and Fried. I'm in favor of carrying those three. But if you go that route I think you have to carry a higher leverage guy like Sam and go with a 4 man bench. Carrying those three and then going with a 5 man bench that includes Rene Rivera just doesn't make any sense to me at all.

[CK86]

Go Braves, bleep the Dodgers!

[Enscheff]

Uhhhhh Freeman has been really really good recently. Not sure what you're talking about. He hasn't given up an earned run since July 28th.

Yeah, this "Sam Freeman sucks" narrative is odd. I wouldn't trust Newk in a mid-leverage spot more than Freeman, that's for sure.

I'm a little worried about the possibility of Snit tossing Fried and Newk into a BP role with very little preparation for pitching out of the BP. It is probably the role both guys ultimately serve the Braves going forward, so we better get used to it.

I have a bad feeling we will be mad about the BP walking Dodgers...

[Hulavol]

Go Braves.

Love you All.

Max Fried should be one of our starters in the playoffs.

Back to South Dakota.

You are back just in time!!

[Hulavol]

Someone get some more rum and real live chicken this time!!!!

[UNCBlue012]

1047954563003813890

[bravesfanforlife88]

Someone get some more rum and real live chicken this time!!!!

http://i.imgur.com/5EuF4.jpg