I really hate to toot my own horn on this day (or ever), but I called this as early as May. I believe I said it after the Toronto series that I expect another first-round exit. It was obvious that the team is extremely talented. But also poor fundamentally, mentally soft, with an overall low baseball IQ and a bit naive. They were clearly not built for tough environments and big stages. They did give me hope for a minute with the Dodgers series. But alas, even that one has lost some glitter in hindsight.
But for me, that was ok. I said at the time I was going to enjoy the heck out of the regular season, and I did. But I also had this moment in the back of my mind, and now it‘s here.
I see these priorities, for this offseason and beyond, if the Braves want to break this wheel:
1. Stress plate discipline and a methodical hitting approach as something absolutely essential. The Braves made some improvements in this area, but it still seems to come and go. Teams that do well in this area seem to be more successful in the postseason, and it was the difference between these two teams in several key spots this series. You just can‘t have a strikezone that‘s 10-20% bigger than the rulebook states. That is a major edge for the opposing pitcher.
2.Figure out what the hell is going on beyond the obvious that keeps causing this type of underperformance in the postseason. Hire some genius to crunch every number on statcast for the next year. Find out what happened to the hard-hit balls. Hire people away from the Phillies or Astros or Dodgers to find out how they prepare for such a series, both mentally and strategically. Get a sports psychologist to thoroughly grill these players, to find out why they can‘t show up in peak mental state when it matters the most.
3. Hire a manager from outside the organization that brings a more modern type of baseball and leadership. Thanks for ˋ21 Snit, but your time has clearly passed.
Find coaches that can teach plate discipline and game fundamentals.
4. As for the roster, I don‘t think major upgrades are necessary or possible. SP can certainly be improved, but that alone is not going to move the needle a year from now if the above issues aren’t addressed, IMO. I‘d let Morton go, and give the #5 spot to the youngsters. See what you can get with the money and trade pieces available. Get some bench players that can actually start some games.
Most of all: Make winning the club‘s identity, not just something that is nice to have.
