I don't know about you, but I really like the idea of the one playoff game between the two wildcard teams. This is the first year that baseball has instituted a second wild card team. The Atlanta Braves currently hold the first wild card spot with a 86-64 record, and the St. Louis Cardinals hold the second spot (as of right now) with a 80-70 record. The Braves have command of the first spot, up six games on the Cardinals. But I'm not even going to mention what happened last year, lets move on. But really, the second spot is up in the air. The Cardinals currently hold a 2.5 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. It's really a close race for that second spot. Only 3 games separating St. Louis, Milwaukee, LA Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yes, I said Philly. It's amazing that the Philliies are in the race because they have been bad the entire season. But of late they have been coming on strong and currently hold a 76-74 record.
NL East NL WildCard
1. Washington 91-58 .. 1. Atlanta 86-64 +6
2. Atlanta 86-64 5.5 2. St. Louis 80-70 ..
3. Milwaukee 77-72 2.5
4. LA Dodgers 77-73 3.0
5. Philadelphia 76-74 4.0
6. Arizona 74-75 5.5
I say all this because the Braves open up a three-game set with these Phillies up in the city of Brotherly Love starting today. The Braves are 5.5 games behind NL East leading Washington Nationals, who at least clinched a playoff sport last night. If the Nationals don't falter, and the Braves surge, the Nationals will be kings of the NL East for 2012, and will be making their first trip to the postseason since the 1930's.
But let's take a little look at the wild card playoff game. I really like the one game playoff. I know, it is only one game. But for me, that's exciting. It's one and you move on, or one and you go home. Just like in football, there's no series, just one game. Once you win that game, then you move on to play one of the division winner in the best of 3 of 5 series like in years past. Some people that I talk to do not like this format, but it's all a matter of opinion. It brings that sense of excitement along with the chill that October baseball brings. If the Braves were to stay on top of the wildcard race, the one game would have a southern hospitality feel at Turner Field in Atlanta. Game set for Friday, October 5.
So for all the Braves fans, forget about yesteryear, and let's bring hope for this year. A NL East championship, or winner of the wildcard race. Bring on October baseball.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @makirkley.
NL East NL WildCard
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| National League Baseball |
2. Atlanta 86-64 5.5 2. St. Louis 80-70 ..
3. Milwaukee 77-72 2.5
4. LA Dodgers 77-73 3.0
5. Philadelphia 76-74 4.0
6. Arizona 74-75 5.5
I say all this because the Braves open up a three-game set with these Phillies up in the city of Brotherly Love starting today. The Braves are 5.5 games behind NL East leading Washington Nationals, who at least clinched a playoff sport last night. If the Nationals don't falter, and the Braves surge, the Nationals will be kings of the NL East for 2012, and will be making their first trip to the postseason since the 1930's.
But let's take a little look at the wild card playoff game. I really like the one game playoff. I know, it is only one game. But for me, that's exciting. It's one and you move on, or one and you go home. Just like in football, there's no series, just one game. Once you win that game, then you move on to play one of the division winner in the best of 3 of 5 series like in years past. Some people that I talk to do not like this format, but it's all a matter of opinion. It brings that sense of excitement along with the chill that October baseball brings. If the Braves were to stay on top of the wildcard race, the one game would have a southern hospitality feel at Turner Field in Atlanta. Game set for Friday, October 5.
So for all the Braves fans, forget about yesteryear, and let's bring hope for this year. A NL East championship, or winner of the wildcard race. Bring on October baseball.
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| Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley I am a loving husband, father. God and family are #1 in my life. Kennesaw State Univ alum in Journalism. Academic librarian/writer/blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized when they are written." |
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