Atlanta Braves: Things We’ve Already Learned in 2015

‘Clubhouse Veterans’ Matter

When Eric Young, Jr, Nick Markakis and Jonny Gomes were signed, the reactions were quick that these were “Clubhouse Guys” – players that would change the culture among their teammates by kicking them in the rear when needed, showing the way to play every day, and the like.  Jason Grilli as well.

When A.J. Pierzynski was signed, there was an initial fear that some stories following him would mean the undoing of those prior signings, but that narrative was quickly changed… and by all accounts, he is another in that list of veterans with a useful presence in the locker room.

Eric Young has been relegated to AAA (and presumably helping that clubhouse), but the others remain.

The question, then, is this:  has there been a tangible impact to having those guys around?

It’s difficult to quantify, but there is one area in which many of us think we’ve noticed a change over 2014:  the ability of this team to “never say die“, but to fight to the end of every game.  Let’s see if some of the numbers bear that out.

The 2015 Team , through 72 games:

• 14 Comeback wins
• Largest deficit overcome:  5

Now there have been 16 blown leads – including an 8-run bullpen meltdown – and 5 walk-off losses (including last night).  Yes… noted, but as discussed, there have been other factors there not related to the offense.

• Record when behind after 6 innings:  3-20 (.130)
• Record when behind after 7 innings:  3-24 (.111)
• Record when behind after 8 innings:  3-27 (.100)
• Record when behind after 9 innings:  3-31 (.061)
• Record when tied after 6 innings: 13-8 (.619)
• Record when tied after 7 innings: 10-4 (.714)
• Record when tied after 8 innings: 7-5 (.583)
• Record when tied after 9 innings: 3-4 (.429)

The 2014 Team, though the entire season:

• 32 Comeback wins
• Largest deficit overcome:  3

Curiously, that team lost 30 leads – one being 5 runs.  They had 4 walk-off wins; 9 losses.

• Record when behind after 6 innings:  7-52 (.119)
• Record when behind after 7 innings:  3-60 (.048)
• Record when behind after 8 innings:  2-72 (.027)
• Record when behind after 9 innings:  2-74 (.026)
• Record when tied after 6 innings: 11-22 (.333)
• Record when tied after 7 innings: 14-16 (.467)
• Record when tied after 8 innings: 7-8 (.467)
• Record when tied after 9 innings: 5-8 (.385)

Is this definitive?  No, but the numbers are certainly trending strongly in a substantially different direction.  The 2015 team has already won more games when behind after 8 innings than the 2014 team did all year.  They are ahead of pace on comeback wins.  Almost every one of those inning-by-inning stats is well ahead of 2014 – many by 2X/3X margins.

So just based on these numbers, the culture has changed:  the attitude is different.  We see that this team is fighting… sure, it doesn’t result in a win all the time:  comebacks are difficult and rare.  But the more times you put winning runs in scoring position means that your opportunities exist – and some will be cashed in.

I’d have to believe that the veterans are making everyone believe this can happen… it certainly didn’t in 2014.

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