This is one of those threads that in a couple of weeks could make me look really stupid or could make me look like a genius...
I gotta confess if the Braves go ahead and sweep the Giants tonight I still think they will have a chance (granted its an outside chance) to win the National League Wild Card and sneak into the playoffs.
This are the 5 reasons why!!!
5) The Braves play in the National league and thank god... interleague play is over.
4)Top of the order is hitting well. Renteria has been hitting well all year and Giles is playing for a contract. He should have a strong september back in the leadoff spot...
3)Their middle of the lineup is tearing it up!! Is it me or Jones, Jones, and McCann could just be the best 3,4,5 hitters in the league. (OK so Beltran, Delgado and Wright are pretty good)
2) Their schedule is not easy but if they can survive (meaning go 3-3) the first week of November when they go to both New York and Philly they will have a good chance to win a lot of games down the stretch. Colorado, Chicago, Florida (I know they have a better record than Atlanta buta at home you gotta like the Braves chances), Washington...
I feel the Braves could get hot at the right time and feast on this teams. They will also play the Mets 6 times at a time where they dont have much to play for.
1) Starting Pitching: Yeah, thats right. If Smoltzie keeps doing his thing, Hudson can keep up his good stretch and James can keep on pitching like a veteran the Braves should have a chance. Not having Lance Cormier or Jason Shiell start any games should help!! Kyle Davies will join the rotation next week making it a little deeper...
Of course I could think of a much larger list of reasons why the Braves would miss the playoffs but what fun would that be!!!