With a 5 game lead in the east and less than 3 weeks to go, it’s looking more and more likely the Atlanta Braves are going to play some October baseball a year or two ahead of what most “experts” thought.
As of today, the Atlanta Braves have almost a 90% chance of winning the division and due to their lackluster play lately, the Phillies are falling back. With all that being said, let’s preview the teams the Braves could face come the postseason.
Cubs
If this happens, let’s just hope it isn’t as cold as it was back in April. This season, the Braves took 2 out of 3 at Wrigley Field, however, the Cubs returned the favor taking 2 out of 3 at Suntrust Park. The Cubbies are in a tight 3-team battle for the NL Central and also for the best record in the NL.
The Braves could still face them in the first round, but most likely a matchup with the Cubs would be in the NLCS.
Cardinals
The Cardinals have been on a tear since replacing Mike Matheny in the dugout. They could still win the Central division, but it’s looking like the Cardinals will be playing in the Wild Card game barring a collapse or the Dodgers getting red hot.
The Braves swept the Cardinals right before July 4th in St. Louis. The Cards make their only trip to Atlanta next week. Could they be coming back in just a few short weeks?
Brewers
The Brewers have been running back up on the Cubs in the last couple of weeks making the Central division and NL Wild Card races extremely interesting. Most pundits will still question if the Brew Crew has the necessary starting pitching to make a deep playoff run, but you can’t deny their lineup or bullpen. The Braves managed to win just 1 of 4 in Miller Park, but did take 2 out of 3 against them in Atlanta this season.
Rockies
Speaking of lineups…the lineup that no one wants to face come October resides in Denver. The Rockies starting pitching has been much better this season as well. The weakness of this team is the bullpen, which they spent a ton of money on last offseason. It’s looking more and more likely the Braves will be facing the winner of the West in the division series, so this could be a 1st round matchup. The Braves took 2 out of 3 in Coors field this Spring, but got swept in a 4 game series by the Rockies at home just last month.
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Dodgers
Of all the teams listed here, this may be the most dangerous for the Braves. It seems the Braves can never win any type of series against the Dodgers. We all know Kershaw’s numbers in October, but every baseball person will tell you, you still rather not face him at all. Right now LA is on the outside looking in, but could easily still grab the West or a wildcard spot.
The Braves took 1 game in a 3 game series out West this year, while the Dodgers took 3 of 4 at Suntrust Park.
Diamondbacks
Lastly, we look at the Arizona Diamondbacks. This team will really need to turn it around quick if they want any shot. Arizona has been playing poorly the last few weeks. It’s bullpen has been horrendous leading to the downfall. Still, facing Grienke, Corbin, and Ray in a playoff series would be a daunting task. Arizona took 2 out of 3 in Atlanta this year, but of course the Braves just took 3 of 4 from them in the desert.
So who do you think the Atlanta Braves have the best shot against, and on the flip side, who do you want to hopefully stay away from? Let us know below!