Braves: Trending Up

Since June 15th the Braves have played .500 ball. They’ve gotten better every month of the season. The Braves have put together a decent lineup. This offseason they’ll look for a catcher and starting pitcher, and deepen their bullpen. Third baseman Adonis Garcia has blossomed hitting in the two hole. If he isn’t good enough, young Rio Ruiz (above) is coming on strong. Dansby hit sixth last night, and second tonight.  
 
Freddie Freeman has the longest hitting streak in the majors this year: 30 games. Three away from Dan Uggla’s record. Freddie has reached base in what, 46 straight games. Dansby got three more hits, Inciarte two. Kemp hit number 34. Rookie Ruiz smashed his first MLB hit – a triple. Everyone hit except Mallex Smith. Trade him!

 

Some still rank the Braves as low as 28th in baseball. Not all ratings are created equal. No way the Braves full season record would ever look good after their horrendous start. It was remarkable they were able to rebound enough to avoid the 100 loss season. They’ve been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past month, with one of the best offenses the past 2-3 months. Those bloggers ranking teams love the big city teams, and rank them higher that the rest. Doubt they look at the actual trending stats, just the standings. Same thing will happen this coming spring: they’ll be picked to finish last or next to last.

 

Earlier this year I predicted the Braves would finish ahead of the Phillies, and they came real close. Most predicted a 100 loss season. Most were wrong. The Braves are tracking up. The Phillies are treading water, with no plan no reason to think they’ll improve. The Marlins just lost their best player. The Mets haven’t locked up a wild card, despite their payroll and talent. The Nats won the division by default, but are no juggernaut. Look for a hot team to knock them off in the playoffs.

 

Next year the Braves could compete for a wild card, if all goes right. Lots of dead money coming off the payroll December 31, so look for a few free agent signings during the offseason – improving an already decent lineup. No one should expect a World Series Championship next year, but they will be improved for a second straight year. Better than many MLB teams.

 

Ceil felt bad Tuesday night and Wednesday, but said she thought she was feeling better last night. Left work at 6:30 Wednesday night and drove home. M picked up PaPa John’s pizza. Wheel and Jeopardy, then the premiere of Designated Survivor. Very good. Then some Ryder Cup coverage, and the Braves recap.
 
Getting fed at lot at work over the next two weeks, starting tomorrow. I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch.
 
SEPT 30th lunch: Mellow Mushroom Pizza.
OCT 2nd: dinner in Augusta
OCT 3rd: all 3 meals in Augusta
OCT 4th: all 3 meals in Augusta
OCT 7th: lunch after stadium tour
OCT 10th: BBQ lunch meeting

 

Also went to lunch today to the Duluth Diner. Four of us had decent salads and one guy got a Philly Cheese that didn’t look that super great. The chicken philly I used to get was always good. Lots of good food at the Duluth Diner but the atmosphere is kinda plain.