It’s time for the Braves and Cubs, which means a lot more to the Cubs than it does to the Braves! Bryce Elder, his 12-4 record and 3.63 ERA takes on Justin Steele, his 16-5 record and 3.00 ERA. Steele is likely in the top 3 for NL Cy Young and deservedly so. Along with a 3.00 ERA, Steele has a 4.86 K/BB rate and has kept HRs at bay with a 0.7 HR/9 rate that leads qualified SPs. Meanwhile, Elder has not been the same pitcher in the 2nd half of the season, carrying a 5.40 ERA since July 9th.
Transaction a Day AA
Apparently the Braves had to make a decision on Ehire Adrianza and a decision they made as Adrianza was activated off the IL and was immediately designated for assignment. This comes as no surprise as Nicky Lopez has fit in well with the club and provides better defense and likely a better bat.
Braves and Cubs Lineup
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Sure would be great for Elder to rediscover something since he’s currently our #2 starter. That is more important than winning. The Dodgers lost to the Rockies already which makes drops our magic number to 2 for the 1-seed
RIP Brooks Robinson. Truly great defensive third baseman, by most accounts the greatest all time. He had that reputation while he was playing, and the newer metrics confirm his greatness. Still, I will always believe that his contemporary Clete Boyer was at least as good if not better. I believe that because I was a kid and a Braves fan when I saw him play, but the metrics also make a good case for him.
Both Robinson and Boyer wore small fielding gloves. I couldn’t wait to get home from school to watch the 1970 World Series. He stopped every ball the Reds hit his way.
At this point, I don’t know how we can trot Elder out there in the playoffs, and expect anything more than mop up duty.
Go ahead on and rediscover something now Bryce. Don’t be shy.
WAT
If the Cubs lose this game and miss the playoffs, this will enter their lore among the other legendary blunders
What an epic comeback! I love this team!
The TBS announcers were doing the typical “Acuna is not hustling” rant. One says “I don’t think he’s fully engaged in this game” and then boom 2-run HR. Announcers stop complaining….. LOL
Recapped!
This might have to be the blueprint for playoff wins: Our offense makes up for our pitching deficiencies and scores 6-7 runs / game. The good thing is I think they can.