Braving the Rebuild

[Francoeurstein]

October 8, 2019
84-78, 3rd place, 10 gb, 6th in Power Rankings

--After starting the year off hot, we didn't make the playoffs - missing out on the Wildcard by 6 games. This may be viewed as a disappoint, but I see it as a success. There were many positive developments, such as the dominance of newly-acquired ace Clayton Kershaw (8.4 WAR), promising showings from rookie pitchers such as Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright, and Bryse Wilson, and the breakout of Dansby Swanson who posted a 4.7 WAR this season. What held us back besides inconsistent pitching was our outfield play. Both Adam Eaton and Ender Inciarte underpeformed and played like below-average regulars. Ronald Acuna showed promise, but still only posted an underwhelming 101 OPS+. One of our main objectives this off-season will be to acquire more outfield depth. All in all, this year marked the 5th consecutive season in which we've improved our record. We fully expect to build a team that will be able to compete for a postseason berth in 2020.

Transactions:
9/8: Send Shane Carle to Boston for IF Antoni Flores (18-year old prospect)

Around the League:
-Khris Davis (WAS) blasts 3 home runs against Milwaukee
-Aaron Nola tore his rotator cuff on 9/4, he is expected to take 4-5 months to recover
-Brad Hand gets Tommy John, will be out this season and most of next season
-Kenley Jansen records his 300th save
-Bruce Maxwell (OAK) goes deep 3 times against the White Sox
-Miguel Cabrera records his 3,000th hit!
-Giancarlo finishes the season with 71 home runs, the clean MLB record


Playoff Seedings:
National League
1. Chicago 105-57
2. Washington 94-68
3. Los Angeles 91-71
4. New York 93-69
5. St. Louis 90-72

American League
1. New York 103-59
2. Houston 102-60
3. Cleveland 84-78
4. Boston 99-63
5. Los Angeles 88-74

League Leaders
Batting Average: Francisco Lindor (CLE) .342, Willie Calhoun (MIA) .314
Home Runs: Giancarlo Stanton (NYY) 71, Anthony Rizzo (CHC) 47
RBI: Giancarlo Stanton (NYY) 162, Cody Bellinger (LAD) 147
SB: Dee Gordon (SEA) 69, Billy Hamilton (CIN) 63
OPS: Giancarlo Stanton 1.084, Anthony Rizzo & Ryan McMahon (COL) .977
WAR: Francisco Lindor (CLE) 9.0, Nolan Arenado 6.8
ERA: Corey Kluber (CLE) 3.06, Noah Syndergaard (NYM) 2.10
Wins: Masahiro Tanaka (NYY) 20, Jon Gray (COL) & Clayton Kershaw 19
WAR: Marcus Stroman (TOR) 5.5, Clayton Kershaw 8.4
Saves: Trevor Hildenberger (MIN) 42, Felipe Vazquez (PIT) 42
K's: Justin Verlander (HOU) 282, Max Scherzer (WAS) 295

[Francoeurstein]

The Astros defeats the Nationals in 7 games! Kyle Tucker wins the WS MVP going 12-30 (.400) with 3 home runs.

Braves Contracts:
-Mike Foltynewicz awarded 3m
-Rex Brothers awarded 1.8m
-Grant Dayton awarded 850k
-Jose Ramirez awarded 1m
-Miguel Socolovich awarded 900k
-Chase Whitley non-tendered
-Dan Winkler awarded 900k
-Jacob Lindgren awarded 820k
-Charlie Culberson awarded 950k
-Dansby Swanson awarded 4.2m
-Jake Marisnick awarded 2.6m
-Ezequiel Carrera released
-Kurt Suzuki released
-Julio Teheran option declined, will become FA
-Aroydys Vizcaino released
-Will Smith released
-Ryan Flaherty released
-Ike Davis released
-Jonathon Lucroy declines qualifying offer, opts to become FA

Offseason Emphasis:
-Upgrade at catcher (short-term)... Top prospect Joey Bart is almost major league ready, after posting an .840 OPS in AA Mississippi. 24-year old Brett Cumberland was also solid in AAA last year, and he will likely be promoted. However, we will need someone to serve as a stop-gap for when Bart is ready.
-Acquire a right-handed outfielder: Last year, Inciarte and Eaton were pretty weak offensively. We will try to acquire an offensive-minded RH outfielder that can platoon.
-Acquire rotation and bullpen depth

Owner Goals in Review
Play close to .500: Success
Upgrade at Catcher: Succes, Lucroy has solid year
Acquire a Top Player: Success (Kershaw)
Make the playoffs in the next 3 seasons: Success, on the right track!

Team Stats

[Francoeurstein]

Offseason in Review

Transactions:
-Sign Erasmo Ramirez to a 4 year/44m deal. Ramirez is coming off a strong breakout season with Washington, going 17-9 with a 3.32 ERA in 225.1 innings pitched. He's never quite been that good of a pitcher, but he was only 28 and had strong peripherals last season. We're hoping he can be a stalwart in the middle of our rotation.
-Trade LHP Kolby Allard and RHP Mike Foltynewicz to Kansas City for LHP Danny Duffy (retaining 50%). We acquire a solid arm coming off a 3.9 WAR season for a rebuilding club. He helps solidify a playoff-caliber rotation. We trade two interesting high upside arms who should have plenty of opportunity to develop in KC.
-Trade IF Charlie Culberson and C Jorge Morales to the Cubs for C Max Stassi. We acquire a depth piece in Stassi who is a decent 28-year old role player.
-Sign IF Xander Bogaerts to a 1 year/1.5m deal. Bogaerts, a once promising player, is coming off two rough seasons with the Red Sox. We're hoping he can restore his value with us as a utility infielder that will compete for the 3B starting job.
-Sign OF Aaron Hicks to a 2 year/7m deal. Hicks should get plenty of playing time as a 4th outfielder. The switch-hitter will take away AB's from Eaton and Inciarte against lefties.
-Sign LHP Zach Britton to a 2 year/16m deal. We were able to get a premium reliever for relative pennies late in the off-season. He will be a tremendous asset to the bullpen.

Awards
MVP:
Alex Reyes STL 15-5, 2.51 ERA (177 ERA+) in 215 IP, 7.5 WAR
Giancarlo Stanton NYY .291/.385/.699, 71 HR, 162 RBI, 172 OPS+, 8.1 WAR

CYA:
Noah Syndergaard NYM 13-4, 2.10 ERA, 213 ERA+, 6.9 WAR in 189 IP
Corey Kluber CLE 17-6, 3.10 ERA, 148 ERA+, 5.1 WAR in 244 IP

ROY:
Ryan McMahon COL .310/.388/.589, 44 HR, 147 OPS+, 6.1 WAR
Francisco Mejia CLE .303/.361/.489, 21, 119 OPS+, 3.5 WAR

Around the League:
-Jonathan Lucroy signs a 5 year/52m deal with the Rangers
-Stephen Strasburg signs a 2 year/23m deal with the Blue Jays
-Khris Davis signs a 4 year/58.1m deal with the Nats
-Arodys Vizcaino signs a 2 year/13.8m deal with the Yanks
-Justin Verlander signs a 3 year/58m deal with the Red Sox
-Logan Forsythe signs a 5 year/65m deal with the Tigers
-Didi Gregorius signs a 4 year/42.2m deal with the Pirates
-Matt Carpenter resigns with the Cardinals for 4 year/52.8m
-Jake Arrieta signs for 4 year/41.2 with the Nats
-Patrick Corbin signs a 3 year/39.8 deal with the Giants
-Cuban phenom Gilberto Magana signs for 7 years/62.4 with the Rays
-Yasiel Puig signs a 5 year/95m deal with the Phillies
-Paul Goldschmidt signs a 5 year/96m deal with the Nats
-Milwaukee sends OF Domingo Santana and RHP Phil Bickford to St. Louis for RHP Carlos Martinez
-Pittsburgh sends RHP Trevor Williams and LHP Estalin Ortiz to the Yankees for RHP Clarke Schmidt
-Pittsburgh sends 1B Josh Bell to Tampa Bay for RHP Jacob Faria and RHP Justin Marsden
-Kansas City sends RHP Wander Suero to Washington for IF Jeremy Eierman and RHP Donnie Sellers
-Pittsburgh sends RHP Tyler Glasnow to Arizona for IF Matt Reynolds
-Milwaukee sends RHP Jimmy Nelson and LHP Brendan Murphy to the Yankees for IF Brandon Drury
-Miami sends RHP Drew Steckenrider and RHP Gregor Veliz to Cleveland for LHP Joshua Hahn

[Tieran]

Alex Reyes won MVP and not Cy Young? Weird.

[Francoeurstein]

Pre-Season Report

--After a strong off-season, this team finally looks primed to make the playoffs for the first time in 7 years. We have acquired and developed enough talent to piece together a formidable roster. We are hoping that 2020 is the year that the fruits of the rebuild will begin to pay off! It will not be easy though, as the Mets, Phillies, and Nats all have strong enough rosters to make a playoff run. It should be an interesting season and a fight till the end in order to win the NL East.

Lineup
C: Brett Cumberland- The 24-year old rookie is given a shot to make an impact at the big-league level after a strong spring. He has an elite eye, evidenced by his 117 walks in AAA last year. He also has decent pop, and can be a solid bat-first catcher.

1B: Freddie Freeman- As he enters his 30's, he's still one of the premier first basemen in the game. Death, taxes, and solid production from Freeman.

2B: Ozzie Albies- At 23, he might have already claimed the title of best 2B in franchise history. 5-tool stud capable of winning an MVP award.

3B: Rio Ruiz/Austin Riley- Two young, average defensive 3B that could work well in a platoon. Riley has a big power bat, while Ruiz is an on-base machine.

SS: Dansby Swanson- It was refreshing to see him post a breakout season in 2019. If the local product is a true .300 & 20 HR hitter, then he will have a long and outstanding career in "The A"

LF: Ronald Acuna- The phenom was solid (2.5 WAR) last year as a 21-year old. Is this the year he takes a step forward and carries the team?

CF: Ender Inciarte- Ender is the type of player who might benefit from sitting more against lefties. He still provides solid defense and on-base ability, but has almost zero pop in his bat.

RF: Adam Eaton- We're going to chalk his disappointing 2019 campaign up to poor BABIP luck. He is still capable of being a solid player on both sides of the ball.

Grade: B

Bench:
OF Billy McKinney
OF Aaron Hicks
IF Xander Bogaerts
C Max Stassi

Grade: B

Rotation:
1. Clayton Kershaw- All-word ace who led the NL in WAR last season. Another 19 wins will bring him to 200 in his career.
2. Erasmo Ramirez- Coming off a strong breakout season in Washington. If he pitches close to his 4.9 WAR figure last year, then we will have a bargain at $11mill a year. Elite control pitcher with 51 walks in 225 innings in '19.
3. Jeff Samardzija- Shark is 35 now, but still has remarkle control and durability. He's a horse that should give us 200+ innings of quality pitching.
4. Danny Duffy- We were offered Duffy this off-season and had to jump at the opportunity. Coming off of a solid season in KC, we think Duffy will be even better here. He's an extreme flyball pitcher and we have a great defensive outfield.
5. Mike Soroka- Last year he got hit hard at times, but showed flashes of being a solid mid-rotation workhorse. He's only 22 and has a plus changeup and plus-plus control. Would likely be a #3 guy in most rotations.

Grade: A

Bullpen:
CL: Zach Britton (LHP)
SU: A.J. Minter (LHP)
MR: Riley Ferrell
MR: Jose A. Ramirez
MR: Grant Dayton (LHP)
LOOGY: Phillip Pfeiffer (LHP)
LR: Lucas Sims

Grade: B-

Owner Goals:
-Play above .500
-Upgrade at RF
-Sign Arodys Vizcaino to an extension (failed)
-Keep building in order to make playoffs by 2022

Down on the Farm
Top 10 Prospects:
1. RHP Kyle Wright AAA (#46 in MLB): Wright showed flashes of his high ceiling in 46 September/October innings last year. He's probably next in line if someone goes down. He's got 4 pitches that could all be above-average and a mid-90's fastball.

2. C Joey Bart AAA (#52 in MLB): Right now, he could probably hold his own in the majors. He's 23 and coming off of a solid season in AA-Mississippi. He has matured behind the plate and has the potential of a dynamic two-way catcher.

3. OF Jasiah Dixon Rk (#49 in MLB): Last years #9 overall pick is extremely athletic and has every tool in the toolbox. He's a bit overagressive at the plate, but has a good feel for hitting. He's still only 18, but has massive upside as a 5-tool centerfielder.

4. LHP/LF Cooper Benson Rk: Two-way player whose future is likely on the mound. A lefty that throws his fastball in the low-to-mid 90's with a devestating changeup. His control is fringey, but he's dominant when he is on.

5. RHP Kendall Williams A+: Williams has some of the best stuff in our system. He's comfortable in the mid-90's with the fastball and can run it up to 97. He's also got a deceptive delivery and a low 3/4 arm slot. We are challenging the 19 year old by starting him in high-A.

6. IF Lency Delgado A+: Our 2018 2nd round pick looked comfortable in his first full professional season, posting an .810 OPS as a 19-year old in single-A. He has been getting reps as a third baseman and will likely stick there. He's got a good power bat and is a solid baserunner despite his size.

7. RHP Freddy Tarnok AA: Tarnok has arguably the best stuff in our system. His high-90's fastball and power curve are a solid two-pitch mix. If his changeup doesn't develop into a solid third pitch, he might have a career as a solid shutdown reliever. He's still only 21, so we will let him continue to start games.

8. RHP Kale Davis A: His stuff isn't overwhelming - he sits at 89-93 with his fastball, but he's able to place it wherever he wants. He also a solid 12-to-6 curveball and a promising changeup. We're hoping the big-bodied 20-year old is able to add a few more ticks to his fastball.

9. OF Cabera Weaver R: His speed and outfield defense are elite - the best amongst anyone in the entire minor leagues. He has decent bat-to-ball ability but really lacks power. He's also super agressive and pounds the ball into the ground, using his speed to try to get on base. We're hoping he can continue to develop and he grows into his slender frame.

10. OF Drew Waters AA: The switch-hitting outfielder has exciting tools, but is held back by his ability to make consistent contact. Still, his elite speed and plus raw power make him an interesting prospect.

System ranking: 21st overall
Grade: C+

[Francoeurstein]

Originally Posted by Tieran

Alex Reyes won MVP and not Cy Young? Weird.

Yea, I was scratching my head at that one too. It was a pretty weak season for NL position players, so his MVP choice was justified. I thought he deserved the CY over Syndergaard because of the innings gap.

[Francoeurstein]

May 5, 2018
17-10, 1.5 gb, 7th in Power Rankings

--It's Deja vu all over again! We started 17-10 for the second year in a row - but this time it feels different. This team is stronger and the hot start seems more sustainable. Middle infielders Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies have gotten off to cold starts, but we're not at all worried - especially when guys like Inciarte (.338 BA), Austin Riley (151 OPS+), and Acuna (7 HR) have gotten off to good starts. Erasmo Ramirez and Danny Duffy have given us a weak return on our investment so far, with ERA's above 5.00, but they've turned it around as of late. Kershaw has been scary good, going 4-1 with a 1.05 ERA in 6 starts - 2 of those starts being CG shutouts. Samardzija and Soroka have been strong as well. Zach Britton has been leading the bullpen as our closer, while Lucas Sims has thrown quality innings in long relief.

4/19: Rio Ruiz is out for 6 weeks with a sprained ACL. Placed on the 10-day DL. Johan Camargo promoted from AAA.

5/4: Phillip Pfeiffer sent down to AAA. Max Fried recalled from Gwinnett.

5/4: Austin Riley wins NL Player of the Week! He hit .435 with 2 bombs.

Around the League:
-Sonny Gray signs a 1 year deal worth 20m with Toronto
-Adam Jones (BAL) collects his 2,000th hit
-Padres Eric Hosmer snaps his hitting streak at 25 games
-J.A. Happ (CWS) tears rotator cuff, effectively ending his career
-Superstar Alex Reyes is out for the season with radial nerve decompression

[Francoeurstein]

June 4, 2020
38-17, 1st place, 1st in Power Rankings
--OH BABY! The Braves are hotter than a pistol and firing on all cylinders. Our offense, which leads the NL in runs scored, has been led by Freddie Freeman (11 home runs in May) and a strong supporting cast. Brett Cumberland posted a 161 OPS+ in May and now has a strong 123 OPS+ on the season. Adam Eaton is hitting .341 and knocking the cover off of the ball. Dansby Swanson is coming off of a phenomenal May in which he hit .394 with 5 home runs. Austin Riley cooled off significantly and has deferred playing time to both Camargo and Bogaerts. Third base might be an area of upgrade going forward. Pitching-wise, things have gone just as well. Kershaw has been stupid good with a 1.40 ERA in 96.2 IP. Samardzija and Soroka have really stepped it up as well. Britton and Sims continue to be money out of the pen, while A.J. Minter has really turned it around. Lefty Grant Dayton is having a fine season as well.

5/19: Jose Ramirez is out for 3 months for a partially torn labrum. Placed on the 60 day DL. Kyle Wright is promoted.

5/30: Erasmo Ramirez is placed on the 10-day DL with shoulder tendinitis. He's expected to miss 4 weeks. Philip Pfeiffer is promoted, Kyle Wright is promoted to the rotation.

Around the League:
-Jorge Polanco (MIN) hits for the cycle
-Craig Kimbrel signs a 1 year/15.4m deal with the Angels
-Robbie Ray tosses a no-hitter against San Diego!
-Corey Kluber is out for the season with a stretched elbow ligament
-Andrew Benintendi is currently in the midst of a 43-game hitting streak!!! He is slashing an absurd .380/.410/.667 this season

[Francoeurstein]

Draft Recap

--With the first overall pick the Marlins pick IF Alex Freeland out of a Florida HS. Freeland is a toolsy stud who looks like he could stick at short. He has the upside of a .300 hitter hitting 35 home runs annually.

Our picks:
1st round 28th overall: OF Whitney Sceviour- Sceviour fell down to the 28th pick overall and we were happy to grab him. The 6'4" outfielder is probably too big and slow to stick in center, but his bat is where he will make his money. He has unbelievable strike zone recognition and is capable of hitting for both average and power.

2nd round, 59th overall: OF Josh Shuler- Another toolsy high-school outfielder. He's got a good arm but lacks range so he will probably stick in a corner. He has a swing-and-miss tendency but 60 grade raw power.

3rd round, 89th overall: RHP Colby Davis- High floor righty out of Arizona State with a devastating curveball. Operates in the low 90's.


Team Stats:

[Francoeurstein]

June 29, 2018
50-28, 1st place, 1st in Power Rankings

--We've only gone 12-11 since the last update, but our hot start has been keeping us afloat. We currently own the best record in the MLB, but the Mets are only two games behind in the division. Acuna and Albies are red-hot and have started to turn their seasons around. Acuna is currently hitting .347 in June and is on pace to hit around 35 home runs this year. Joey Bart has gotten off to a promising start, going 4 for his first 12. With Erasmo Ramirez back from the DL, our rotation is intact and really rolling. Our bullpen has been upgraded with a trade that netted us 39-year Pat Neshek. He had a 2.84 ERA on the season with Philly. We also acquired Kyle Lewis, a 24-year old outfielder who has interesting upside.

6/5: Rio Ruiz activated from DL. Johan Camargo demoted to AAA.

6/18: Kyle Wright is out for 6 weeks with a herniated disc, placed on the 10-day DL. Max Fried will move to the rotation. Drew Harrington promoted to AAA.

6/26: Max Stassi is DFA'd, Joey Bart promoted to play catcher.

6/28: Sign 1B Brad Miller to a minor league contract

6/29: Trade Billy McKinney and OF Braxton Davidson to Philadelphia for RHP Pat Neshek and OF Kyle Lewis. Max Fried demoted to AAA, Brad Miller and Pat Neshek are promoted.

Around the League:
-Andrew Benintendi's hitting streak is snapped at 55 games - one shy of Dimaggio's record. Incredible!
-Cody Bellinger currently has 39 home runs in 79 games played. He's on pace to hit 80!
-Adrian Beltre (KC) hits his 500th home run!
-Jake Arrieta (WAS) is out for the season with a torn labrum
-Ryan Zimmerman (TOR) hits his 300th home run
-Mike Trout hits his 300th home run


Mid-Season top 10 Prospects:
1. OF Jasiah Dixon Rookie ball (#49th in MLB)
2. C Joey Bart MLB (#57 in MLB)
3. OF Whitney Sceviour Rookie ball (#70 in MLB)
4. OF Josh Shuler Rookie ball
5. LHP Cooper Benson Rookie ball
6. RHP Kendall Williams A+
7. RHP Colby Davis A-
8. RHP Freddy Tarnok AA
9. OF Kyle Lewis AAA
10. IF Lency Delgado A+

[Francoeurstein]

July 21, 2020
60-38, 1st place, 3rd in Power Rankings
--We have been playing .500 ball for a little over a month now, but luckily the Mets have been dreadful and we've built a 6 game lead in the division. We are still looking to upgrade before the deadline - most likely in the bullpen. Austin Riley has played extremely well as of late and is running a 121 OPS+. He has effectively won the starting 3B job at this point. Joey Bart has struggled in 71 plate appearances, but we will give him some more time to figure things out. Clayton Kershaw, Zach Britton, Freddie Freeman, and Ozzie Albies were selected to represent Atlanta in the All-Star Game.


7/18: Luiz Gohara activated from DL. Sent to AAA for rehab assignment.

Around the League:
-Justin Verlander (BOS) is out for the season with radial nerve decompression
-Brian McCann (TOR) hits three home runs against Oakland
-Sean Doolittle signs a 3 year/40m extension with Washington
-Seattle sends 1B Mike Ford to Toronto for C Danny Jansen
-San Diego sends Shelby Miller and 2B Willy Escala to Detroit for RHP Blair Henley and OF Jhenrry Moreno
-Kyle Freeland (MIN) is out for the season after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow
-Aroldis Chapman signs a 3 year/60m extension with the Dodgers
-Anthony Rizzo hits 3 home runs against us
-Lance McCullers is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John
-Alex Wood is out for the season after fracturing his elbow
-Freddy Peralta is out for the season with a torn back muscle

[Francoeurstein]

July 31st, 2020

--At 64-41, we are 7 games ahead of the Nationals and rolling along. We make a trade to acquire Chad Green from the Yankees, sending Lucas Sims and Max Fried in return. Green has a 3.81 ERA, but has strong peripherals and is rated a 4* by our scouting department. He will be the final piece to an already dominant bullpen. The stretch run is upon us, and I believe that our roster is talented enough to finish out the season on a high note.

Team Stats

[Francoeurstein]

September 1, 2020
78-54, 1st place, 8th in Power Rankings

--Well we got cold and the Mets got hot - now they find themselves trailing us by 3 games in the division. Our offense collectively slumped in August, in fact Adam Eaton was the only regular with an OPS+ above 100. Luckily, we're due for some positive regression in that regard. Pitching-wise, things have been just fine. We're currently ranked 2nd in the NL in team ERA with a mark of 3.66. Kershaw, however, has struggled as of late and has greatly reduced his chances of winning the Cy Young. He still carries an ERA below 3 though - and we'd much rather have him struggle now than October.

As a unit, we must play to our fullest potential in September! It has been too magical of a season to end up in 2nd place, even if it warrants a Wildcard spot. Let's do this!

8/6: DFA Jacob Lindgren (Claimed by Baltimore 2 days later)

8/11: Rio Ruiz DFA'd, Luiz Gohara recalled

8/16: Sign C Sandy Leon to a minor league contract, Joey Bart demoted to AAA

8/19: DFA Brad Miller, recall Rio Ruiz

Around the League:
-Toronto Closer Rasiel Iglesias is out for the season with a torn rotator cuff
-Ian Happ homers 3 times against Colorado
-Cody Bellinger is currently at 61 home runs with with 29 games left to play. He is slashing a ridiculous .265/.378/.681

[Francoeurstein]

Braves Clinch National League East!
September 30, 2020
--With a 7-3 victory over the Mets, the Braves have officially clinched the National League East! The victory brings our record to 95-63, which is tied with Los Angeles for the best record in all of baseball. Finally, after 7 long years the Braves will have a shot at a playoff run. With a loaded roster, the Braves are among the favorites to win it all!

[Francoeurstein]

Season Recap:
99-63, 1st place, 1st in Power Rankings

--A 5-game winning streak to end the season gives us the best record in the Majors. We feel incredibly confident going into the playoffs since we're firing on all cylinders. We will play the winner of the Wildcard match between New York and Milwaukee.

It was a magical season indeed in "The A". Despite losing Danny Duffy for the season, we have a formidable 4-man playoff rotation that can rival any team in the major leagues. Led by Cy Young candidate Clayton Kershaw, 19-game winner Mike Soroka, workhorse veteran Jeff Samardzija, and Erasmo Ramirez, who posted a 4.4 WAR on the season. Our bullpen is also great - led by Zach Britton who posted a stupid 4.4 WAR on the season. What's perhaps the most inspring was the ascention of Joey Bart who had a late hot-streak to bring his season OPS+ to 99. He will likely get most of the playing time in the postseason. Freddie Freeman was unsurprisingly our best offensive performer, followed by Dansby Swanson who hit .285 with 21 home runs. Our 4-man outfield was solid as well. This lineup really doesn't have any holes in it. We are extremely excited about the upcoming postseason.

Transactions:
9/4: We sign Riley Ferrell to a 5 year/17m extension

9/16: Danny Duffy is placed on the 60-day DL with a severe hamstring strain. We insert Kyle Wright into his rotation spot.

Around the League:
-Cody Bellinger ends up with 68 home runs on the season
-Carlos Correa puts up a ridiculous 9.6 WAR
-Jacob Faria (PIT) no-hits the Cubs!
-Andres Gimenez of the Mets has a 27-game hitting streak snapped
-Roberto Osuna signs a 2 year/29m extension with Toronto
-Mike Trout homers 3 times against Texas
-Freddie Freeman wins Player of the Week, hitting .571
-Juan Soto ends the season with a 28-game hitting streak
-Garrett Richards (TEX) sustains a career-ending injury

Playoff Seeding
NL:
1. Atlanta 99-63
2. Los Angeles 97-65
3. Chicago 96-66
4. Milwaukee 93-69
5. New York 91-71

AL:
1. New York 97-65
2. Cleveland 95-67
3. Los Angeles 89-73
4. Boston 97-65
5. Minnesota 87-75

Team Stats:

[Francoeurstein]

Milwaukee takes care of New York in the Wildcard game. They travel to Atlanta to face us in the NLDS!

GAME 1:
Milwaukee 4, Atlanta 2
--Kershaw gets tagged for 3 earned runs in 7 innings pitched, giving up a pair of solo bombs to Travis Shaw and Eduardo Escobar. Albies goes 3-4 from the leadoff spot.

GAME 2:
Milwaukee 1, Atlanta 4
--We get our first win behind a strong start from Erasmo Ramirez, going 7.2 innings and giving up one run. He recorded 9 k's and just two walks. Zach Britton threw the last 1.1 innings, striking out 3 and giving up a single. Dansby Swanson's two-run bomb in the 2nd inning ended up being the difference.


**Note: between games 1 and 2 we were able to finalize a contract extension with Ronald Acuna. The pact will keep him in Atlanta for seven more years for 79.3 million.

[Francoeurstein]

GAME 3:
Atlanta 9, Milwaukee 5
--The offense erupts and the bullpen throws 4 scoreless innings in a victory. Brett Cumberland and Freddie Freeman homer. Freeman also goes 4-4, Inciarte collects 3 hits, and Eaton collects three as well.

GAME 4:
Atlanta 4, Milwaukee 3
--We advance by winning a 4-3 nailbiter! The bullpen again made the difference for us, which included Zach Britton throwing the last 2.1 innings without giving up a run. Freeman and Joey Bart homer, and Bart led the team with 2 RBI's. Freeman won the series MVP, going 7-14 (.500) with 2 home runs, 3 RBI's, and 3 walks.

Next we will play Los Angeles who swept Chicago in three games. The Yankees advanced by beating the Twins in 5 games - they will play Cleveland who beat L.A. in 5.

Up next, the mighty Dodgers!

[Francoeurstein]

GAME 1:
Atlanta 5, Los Angeles 4 (11 innings)
--WOW! We win a thriller in extras thanks to a walk-off single by Aaron Hicks in the bottom of the 11th. Clayton Kershaw gives up 3 solo home runs, but limits the damage by only giving up 3 earned runs total in 7 innings pitched. He set the franchise record by striking out 14 guys from his former team. Red-hot Joey Bart went 3 for 5, while Acuna and Freeman both homered. Ozzie Albies is now 0 for his last 15. Zach Britton blew the save in the top of the ninth, but Chad Green saved the day by throwing two scoreless innings, picking up the win.

GAME 2:
Los Angeles 11, Atlanta 7
--Another crazy game in "The A". Unfortunately we were on the losing end of this one. Erasmo Ramirez struggled and exited early, he was followed by Gohara who threw 4 shutout innings in relief. A combination of Jose Ramirez and A.J. Minter gave up 5 runs in the top of the ninth, and that was enough to give L.A. the victory. Cody Bellinger homered and drove in 5.Freeman stayed red-hot and went 2-3 with a walk, a homer, and 2 RBI's. Bogaerts had a pair of RBI's as well. Joey Bart collected two hits and a ribbie. Tomorrow will be Samardzija vs. Ross Stripling (14-6, 3.81) in Los Angeles.

[Francoeurstein]

GAME 3:
Atlanta 8, Los Angeles 3
--Ozzie Albies was moved to the #5 spot in the order, and promptly responded with 5 RBI's, which included a 2-RBI triple. Inciarte contributed four hits and Swanson collected three. Samardzija was solid, giving up just two earned runs in six innings pitched. This game was huge in that our main bullpen guys will be rested for tomorrow. Tomorrow's matchup will be Soroka on the hill vs. Kenta Maeda (15-9, 4.60 ERA)

GAME 4:
Atlanta 10, Los Angeles 2
--We just keep hitting! The offensive explosion was led by Xander Bogaerts who had three hits and a Grand Slam. Joey Bart contributed 2 hits including a homer. Mike Soroka couldn't quite go the distance, but he threw a gem, going 8 and a third giving up two earned runs. Tomorrow we have a chance to advance to the World Series for the first time since 1999. With Kershaw starting, we like our odds.

GAME 5:
Atlanta 2, Los Angeles 3
--We came up short in a potential elimination game. Kershaw was removed in the middle of the 6th with a tweak in his lower back. Fortunately the trainer says he will be day-to-day. He still wasn't his sharpest, giving up 3 earned runs in five and a third. Bogaerts was the lone offensive performer, with a two-RBI triple. Julio Urias pitched seven innings of two run ball while Chapman struck out 5 in the last two innings. Tomorrow is Ramirez vs. Buehler back in Atlanta.

*Superstar SS Corey Seager was injured in Game 4 and will miss the rest of the series.

[Francoeurstein]

GAME 6:
Los Angeles 4, Atlanta 2
--The Dodgers come to our house and take game 6 from us. Ramirez was OK, pitching seven innings and giving up four earned runs, but Buehler was even better - with eight K's and two earned runs in seven. We were unable to score off of Chapman even though he had four walks in an inning plus pitched. Inciarte went 3 for 4, while Bart and Albies got a pair of hits. Game 7 is tomorrow, and it's for all the marbles! Samardzija is on the mound vs. Stripling, but Kershaw and Soroka should be available in relief.

GAME 7:
Los Angeles 3, Atlanta 1
--Man, oh man does this one sting... L.A. completes their comeback after being down three games to one. Stripling was dominant, giving up one earned run in seven innings pitched - and we were unable to get it going on offense. While it sucks to see another team celebrate on the field, we are not going to hang our heads. We had a phenomenal season, and we are looking likely to make it back next year.

Corey Seager wins the MVP, going 11-20 (.550) with five runs scored. The Dodgers will face off with the Yankees in the World Series.