Why it’s different this time for the Atlanta Braves

As we all enjoy that delicious taste of Waffle House, let’s discuss why the 2021 Atlanta Braves will not make the same mistake as last year.

The Atlanta Braves are traveling west as of writing this with a 2-0 series lead against the mighty Dodgers. The same mighty Dodgers team that needed late game heroics to advance past the Cardinals. The same mighty Dodgers that had to make a comeback against the division winning Giants in the NLDS.

Look, this Dodgers team is good, but the narrative that the Atlanta Braves simply can’t match up with them is a putrid statement. Unlike the West Coast “Writers” I am going to give the Dodgers credit and say what most of Braves country is thinking, we have not done anything yet and we have been here before.

Everyone knows the trouble the Atlanta Braves had last season with putting the Dodgers away after they were up 3-1 in the NLCS. The question now has to be, why would history not repeat itself?

There are lot’s of reasons why that will not be the case this time around and we are going to lay some out for you.

Again though, unlike our counterparts out West, let me re-emphasize it will NOT be easy.

First off, no matter the outcome in any game, this series is coming back to Atlanta. Yes, it would not be good if the Dodgers roar back and come back to town with a 3-2 series lead, but at worst, there will be another game at Truist.

Last year, no homefield advantage was present, and yes that was on both sides, the Braves will have the advantage in a clinching game of the home field atmosphere.

Second, it is no secret that last year’s pitching staff was held together by glue, tape, and anything else that would stick. As we all know, that again is not the case this go around.

Charlie Morton, Max Fried, Ian Anderson (despite the so-so outing Sunday), and a rejuvenated bullpen have given the Atlanta Braves the ability to pitch with confidence in any match-up.

And call it whatever you want, but the reason for the Dodgers hitting woes so far in the NLCS could be (gasps) the Atlanta Braves pitching!

Next would be our hero himself, Freddie Freeman. Freddie has not got it going so far against the Dodgers but we all know it’s just a matter of time before he has a 2 or 3 hit game. Hopefully it comes soon and out in LA and he can prove to be the difference in one of these next three games. The whole world knows he is too good of a hitter to be held quiet for an extended period of time.

Lastly, the difference will be our coaches. I’m a firm believer that in these playoff games, some coaches can outsmart themselves are try and get too cute.

That has not been the case so far with Brian Snitker as he has managed as close to normal as possible so far, and it has held up thus far. Meanwhile his counterpart Dave Roberts is getting roasted for his decisions so far (I do not agree with those for what it’s worth)

Speaking of coaching, the biggest difference might be the house money that Ron Washington is apparently playing with at third base. Him proving he will not be shy to send runners might very well be the difference in us going home or raising a World Series trophy here in a few weeks.

Let’s hope it’s the latter. Thank goodness he is still on our side. Let’s keep it that way.