Search results

What's interesting about both of those teams is neither was even hot down the stretch. They both faltered and almost missed the playoffs entirely. So can't use the narrative either of those teams got hot down the stretch and stormed through the playoffs.

You're correct. And look even the most praised managers like Dave Roberts and Kevin Cash flamed out in the playoffs this year. Roberts has a top payroll and best team almost every year and is a perennial loser in the playoffs. Where is that master tactician Gabe Kapler this year? I'm not a...

With each passing year under this format, the playoffs is losing value in my opinion. It used to be a way of crowning the best team at the end of the season. Now it seems like a random tournament that has no correlation to the regular season and certainly does not favor the top teams. At least...

The thing that frustrates me the most about this Phillies team is they essentially bought the entire roster and didn't build a team the right way. And are being rewarded for it. Sure they have some home grown players contributing but they aren't even close to their top contributors. Wheeler...

Really feels like the writing was on the wall for this series once Morton went down with injury, and then Fried had to come back and pitch rusty after weeks of not starting. And of course the game 1 which was potentially a must win, our hitters had to show up after a 5 day break.

I mean, that's just not who this team is. They carried themselves like professionals all season long, go about their business, and win games. There is no evidence that the most fired up teams wins games in the playoffs.

It's kind of demoralizing really. We see how fired up they got and responded with 6 HR against us including two by Harper. Would love to see the Braves come out fired up tonight and show some signs of life.

Is that really even bulletin board material?? That quote is barely anything

Was also thinking of Hand as the opener, to essentially neutralize Shwarber and Harper, since he's got good numbers against them. But I do wonder if the Phillies would adjust their lineup to negate that advantage. Essentially leave Harper up there but have righties in 3 or 4 of the top 5 spots.

Even the off days built into this series is frustrating. Why does there need to be an off day after Game 1 and after Game 2? I know it's for TV, but just adds to the randomness.

I dunno, he's already got 3 years left on his deal if he opts back in, so I doubt he'd opt out just for another 3 year deal. Plus he apparently likes Detroit enough to stay there rather than pitch for the Dodgers.

The teams who received a bye this year are now 2-6 in the DS. Could have easily been 1-7 if not for the Braves miraculous comeback.

I could easily see a team giving him a 4-5 year deal. And it won't be the Braves.

6 Ks in 2 IP. This is literally the worst case scenario playing out live.

Fried has good stuff. But no surprise command is off since he hasn't pitched much over the past month.

But which of those do you expect to go on a short term deal?

The unfortunate problem is there is a serious lack of quality SP options this off season.

Yep. There are 3 off days built in to the 5 game schedule. So really no reason the top relievers cant pitch in every game.

Personally I'd feel better if this was a 7 game series. Just too much randomness that can creep into a 5 game series. And the Phillies are good, and have been playing their best baseball in recent months. We are the superior team, but they will be tough to beat.

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.