Atlanta Braves projected pitchers vs the NLDS umpiring crew

Atlanta Braves pitchers and the umps three and four

Sam Holbrook called Mike Soroka’s May 15 victory over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Soroka threw seven innings of three-hit shutout ball, walked three and struck out three. Dan Winkler faced two batters and walked both before Luke Jackson came in for a two-inning, six out save striking out three of the five batters he faced.

If the Braves need four games to finish off the Redbirds, Max Fried would have Jim Wolf behind the plate. Fried’s never pitched with Wolf behind the dish, but Wolf called Julio Teheran’s game against the Redbirds on May 16. Julio went five shutout innings although he walked four and gave up two hits. That’s been Julio’s style this season; Wolf wasn’t a factor.

Jacob Webb, gave up one run on one hit, and Touki Toussaint gave up a run in two innings, but he also struck out two without a walk. Touki had Wolf behind the plate for a 2018 win over the Cardinals. Toussaint walked three but struck out eight; only Minter walked anyone else. Wolf called Toussaint’s curve well, that’s a good sign for Fried.

The last time Keuchel pitched and Hallion called the game, came in 2014, but he called Foltynewicz’ complete game, two-hit shutout of the Nationals last season with Mike struck out 11 and walked one.

That’s a wrap

Umpiring crews assigned to the division series in both leagues contain some of the most experienced crew chiefs best ball and strike callers in the game. The only umpires with an accuracy rate below 90% are not scheduled to call balls and strikes.  So, MLB is endeavoring to put the best on the field for every game.

That won’t stop any of us or the players from feeling aggrieved when we believe they miss a call, but it doesn’t look like the automated zone is ready for prime time either. Umpires have a tougher job than we imagine,  They stand for three hours plus every game regardless of the weather and watch pitchers throwing 95 mph with less than 0.4 seconds to decide if it’s a ball or strike.

Pitches move in flight as much as six inches laterally, and at some point, disappear before going into the catcher’s glove. If you blink you’ll miss it isn’t a cliché, the average blink lasts 300 milliseconds. Can we admit just how good these guys are to hit 90% and above accuracy? Maybe it’s time to give the umps a break and admit we couldn’t do it.

Nah, me neither.

As you (hopefully) read this, I’m winging my way to Atlanta. I’ll attend games one and two at STP. If you get a chance, say “Hi”. . . and buy me an adult beverage . . . or just say hi. Let’s go whip the tail feathers off some Redbirds.