WORLD CHAMPIONS

Smoltz had it right when he said the 95 Braves were expected to win, that it was a burden they carried with them until they won the World Series. Smoltz reminded everyone that no one expected these 2021 Braves to even content for the division  crown without Acuna, Soroka, and Ozuna, or be able to shut down the potent Houston lineup after bell cow Charlie Morton got knocked out of the Series.

After Freid missed first base and had his ankle stepped on, the cameras caught bench coach Walt Weiss shaking his head no to Snitker about asking for a replay. Not sure Weiss and his lieutenants had seen all the angles when they made the decision. Hard to blame Snitker, though the buck does stop with him. As it was, the play steeled Freid. The lefthander worked out of the jam, throwing harder than he had all year. From that point on Max was lights out. He threw only 74 pitches, but they were all high intensity. Afterward Max said he was gassed. Still no word on who the mystery woman was that was seen departing Truist Park with Freid on Monday, that had Braves Twitter all abuzz.

Fried’s line: 6 innings, 6 strikeouts, zero walks, 4 hits (really 3). 50 strikes 24 balls (68% strikes). 12 pitches per inning

Matzek 2 innings 4 strikeouts zero walks one hit 71% strikes

Will Smith one inning zero strikeouts zero walks, one hit 63% strikes

Nice for the offense to stake out a commanding lead. Had to be demoralizing to the Astros when Soler slugged one completely out of the ballpark. Then Soler scored from first on Freddie’s double. Freeman added a homer, and Swanson’s blast put the nails in the coffin.

Chelsea Freeman was interviewed on the field after the game. I fear she will be the Braves Yoko Ono, encouraging husband Freddie to sign with a West Coast team. On social media she tries to be one of those influencers, but in real life she came across as unsophisticated, not bossy. We shall see.

Joe Buck said Truist Park and The Battery were in Marietta, which is not correct. In Houston Braves fans started up with the tomahawk chop, and eventually Houston fans started booing to drown them out. After the game the 10000-15000 Braves fans in attendance congregated behind the third base dugout for the trophy presentation, a glorious sight. Snitker and Freeman gave tribute to the fans, who loudly booed the commissioner.

Haley Hurt joined several thousand watching the game inside Truist Park. Thousands of others watched outside in The Battery. A big crowd watched the game at Joel’s house (above). W&MC watched the game at home with Shivonne.

Not the best time for a contentious off-season. With the collective bargaining agreement expiring, the winter meetings cancelled, and the owners set for a lockout, the signing of free agents could very well be delayed until February or later. It is imperative that the Braves sign Freeman. GM Alex Anthropolous knows what he’s doing, but I hope he is able to sign Eddie Rosario as well.  AA missed the game, as he tested positive for covid before the trip.

Some may not want to re-sign Dansby Swanson. In the postseason he only slashed 224/262/345/607, and in the regular season fared only slightly better: 248/311/449/760. But where will you find a shortstop who can replicate Swanson’s elite defense, clutch hitting, 760 OPS, and 27 home runs (3rd among all MLB SS’s and first in the NL)?  Is it his outspoken Christianity?

Ben Ingram's scoring of game six.

Ozzie found the camera embedded inside second base.

DALE MURPHY  [SABR Bio] ranks just behind Pete Rose with 740 consecutive games played. From 26-Sep-1981 to 08-Jul-1986, Rose’s streak was 745 games. Murphy won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, was named the Sports Illustrated "Sportsman of the Year", won the  Roberto Clemente Award and was honored with the Bart Giamatti Community Service Award. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award is given annually to a player who best exhibits the character and integrity of Lou Gehrig, both on the field and off. Murphy won it in 1985. The Sportsman of the Year came in 1987 where he was included with 6 others as “Athletes who care.” The Roberto Clemente Award is awarded to “The player that best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team”. Murphy was the1988 winner. The Giamatti CSA goes to “an individual associated with baseball who best exemplifies the compassion demonstrated by the late commissioner”. Murphy was the 1991 recipient. Murphy won five consecutive Gold Glove awards and four straight Silver Sluggers. GG = 192-86; SS = 1982-85. Though he is not a member of the Hall of Fame, Bill James ranks him ahead of eight players already inducted.