NLDS Prep

[Enscheff]

The Phillies are likely to lineup as follows in Game 1 (xwOBA vs RHP/LHP):

Schwarber .372/.355
Turner .322/.349
Harper .410/.370
Bohm .339/.351
Stott .307/.312
Realmuto .328/.357
Castellanos .322/.323
Marsh .337/.276
Rojas .262/.263

First thing that pops out is there aren't any obvious places to bring in a LHP to relieve Strider. None of these batters are bad enough vs LHP that I would rather have Minter face them than Strider. The only possible exception is a tiring Strider vs Marsh for the 3rd time, but the moment Minter/Hand comes in to face Marsh the Phils will counter with Pache who should be better vs LHP.

So the overall blueprint is probably Strider for 20 batters through Turner, then assess the leverage of Harper's 3rd PA. If Strider is tiring and in a critical spot, the correct call may be to bring in Minter. Of course that eliminates the possibility of Minter facing both Schwarber and Harper, but it may be required based on the game scenario.

Best case scenario is Strider through 22+ batters, some other BP arm to bridge to Minter for Schwarber/Harper, then Iggy to close it out. If that happens there isn't really much for Snit to do other than follow the dinosaur playbook.

[CyYoung31]

This the guy who left an injured Strider in to face the Phillies lineup in the playoffs last year as his FB velocity dipped below 95.

[thewupk]

Let's just unload on Suarez and not worry about relieving Strider at a critical time.

The best offense in the history of baseball needs to do it's job.

[bravesfanMatt]

Let's just unload on Suarez and not worry about relieving Strider at a critical time.

The best offense in the history of baseball needs to do it's job.

This is exactly what will happen. Braves will erupt on these fools

[bravesfanforlife88]

This is exactly what will happen. Braves will erupt on these fools

Really hoping we can get back to putting up runs in the first inning like we did earlier this year. That put so much pressure on the other team. In the playoffs, that would be devastating for the other team.,

Also hoping our pitching can take advantage of the added rest and not completely suck like they did at the end of the year. Not sure if that was fatigue, or being mentally checked out after clinching the division, but whatever it was needs to be a thing of the past.

[Strike3urout]

Let's just unload on Suarez and not worry about relieving Strider at a critical time.

The best offense in the history of baseball needs to do it's job.

If they are patient and make Ranger throw strikes, that‘s what will happen. If they show the same approach as last year, it will be a frustrating game.

This is really close to a must-win for the Braves, as is game 2. I do not care to go to Philadelphia with the series tied and Elder taking the mount. I really hope Snit understands this. Take Strider out in the 4th if he‘s showing signs of tiring. Take advantage of the extra off-day.

[bravesfanMatt]

I am not sure Elder sees game 3. I think BP game with AJSS and Wright as some bulk innings.

[Strike3urout]

I am not sure Elder sees game 3. I think BP game with AJSS and Wright as some bulk innings.

Not exactly confidence-inspiring

[McCann'sCans]

I am not sure Elder sees game 3. I think BP game with AJSS and Wright as some bulk innings.

In a world where we win the first two at home, I don't hate the idea of throwing Minter out there to start game 3. Get him through Harper's first at bat, see if you can get a lead in one of the first couple innings, and try to put them away. Seems preferable to watching Elder implode in that environment.

[Tapate50]

Elders issue has been the HR ball of late.

I’d be more apt to throw ajss.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Acuna RF
Swanson SS
Riley 3B
Olson 1B
Contreras DH
d'Arnaud C
Arcia 2B
Harris II CF
Grossman LF

Going back and looking at the starting lineup for game 1 of the NLDS last year really brings into perspective how much better our lineup is this year.

[NYCBrave]

Another factor to consider. With so many off days built into this NLDS, only the best relievers should be used every night without having to worry about over using anybody.

[bravesnumberone]

I am not sure Elder sees game 3. I think BP game with AJSS and Wright as some bulk innings.

If we had another late-inning lefty I was confident in, I'd give some thought to Minter to start Game 3.

[bravesnumberone]

If they are patient and make Ranger throw strikes, that‘s what will happen. If they show the same approach as last year, it will be a frustrating game.

This is really close to a must-win for the Braves, as is game 2. I do not care to go to Philadelphia with the series tied and Elder taking the mount. I really hope Snit understands this. Take Strider out in the 4th if he‘s showing signs of tiring. Take advantage of the extra off-day.

I don't believe there's any way the series is coming back to Atlanta if we don't win the first two. I'm a believer in the Philly home game devil magic.

[Heyward]

I don't believe there's any way the series is coming back to Atlanta if we don't win the first two. I'm a believer in the Philly home game devil magic.

Philly probably has a huge huge advantage in Game 3 but i'll take my chances with Strider in a Game 4. But it wont be easy to win in Philly for sure.

[jsebe10]

[QUOTE=thewupk;98761
The best offense in the history of baseball needs to do its job.[/QUOTE]

This...

The righties need to take an oppo approach vs Suarez...or else he will change up/cutter their ass to death.

[jpx7]

If we had another late-inning lefty I was confident in, I'd give some thought to Minter to start Game 3.

I still think Hand makes sense as an opener in Game 3—saves Minter for later, neutralizes (as much as Hand can) the LHP atop the Philly lineup, and if Hand can’t hack it, there’s still plenty of time to claw back into the game.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Video footage of some clips from yesterday’s workout. Looks like Olson had a few hits, Ozuna had a double and HR, Harris had a HR

Elder and Murphy on the other squad, take that for what it’s worth. Elder looks like he got torched again

[UNCBlue012]

Video footage of some clips from yesterday’s workout. Looks like Olson had a few hits, Ozuna had a double and HR, Harris had a HR

Elder and Murphy on the other squad, take that for what it’s worth. Elder looks like he got torched again

Elder gave up a homer in the first, but that's in over four innings, I believe.

[CyYoung31]

Video footage of some clips from yesterday’s workout. Looks like Olson had a few hits, Ozuna had a double and HR, Harris had a HR

Elder and Murphy on the other squad, take that for what it’s worth. Elder looks like he got torched again

I mean, he was facing the greatest offense of all-time.