1. Switching Up The Lineup in Game 1
For the majority of the season, Brian Snitker filled out the lineup card with the same order and same positions. The only consistence difference was who was in left field and that simply depending on the opposing starting pitcher. (Eddie Rosario vs. lefties and Kevin Pillar vs. right-handers).
Game 1 of the NLDS, Austin Riley jumped up to hit 2nd in the batting order and Ozzie Albies dropped down to clean up. Snitker's reasoning for the shake up was that this lineup would provide better matchups against the Phillies southpaw relievers and give Ozzie Albies RBI chances since Riley had been scuffling as of late.
The fact of the matter is when postseason play begins, it almost like the start of a new season. Adrealine gets going, games mean more and players are laying it all on the line. With that being said, Austin Riley has proven himself to be a hero in October. This switch up took those RBI chances away from Riley.
2. Bryce Elder Starts Game 3
With Charlie Morton sidelined with injury in the NLDS, the Braves were short handed in the starting pitching department. Bryce Elder was a steady part of the rotation during the regular season but had fell off drastically at the end of the year.
Now, this one is more debatable than what it may seem on the surface. The only other options Snitker had for Game 3 was to start AJ Smith-Shawver who had only stepped on a MLB mound five times in his young career or go with a bullpen game.
Smith-Shawver has the capability of being effective but that would have been a big roll of the dice in an enviorment like Philly. The only arm in the bullpen that could have been trusted to go multiple innings was Michael Tonkin who also had struggled mightly as of late.
However, after seeing the results of the decision that was made, it does make you wonder what would have happened if Smith-Shawver had gotten the nod with the Phillies never seeing him before and having limited film on his repertoire.