Braves Mathematically Eliminated From Wild Card

With today's loss in Denver, an event that had been likely for several weeks became official. The Atlanta Braves were mathematically eliminated from contention for the 2006 Wild Card spot in the National League. Additionally, unless the Braves are able to win every one of their remaining final six games at home, against the Mets and Astros, it is more than likely that they will finish with an under 500 record for the 2006 regular season. This is a sorry and unfortunate state of affairs for a team that had previously won fourteen straight division titles.
As most of us know, the Braves have had a very disappointing season in 2006. Now, they just have to finish out the string in the final six games, and, hopefully, return to their previous fine form in 2007.

Mitch

Under the same circumstances many times in the past, we Dodger fans have adopted the following slogan:

WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR!!

Cheer up, Mitch. With free agency and the Braves great minor league system, they will be back sooner than you think.

Hey there Mitchell, you gotta hang with them. You knew it wasn't going to last forever. I will say this though as I have said on and off throughout the the year. It seems more than a coincidence that when Leo Mazzone leaves this organization ( for money issues ) that the BIGGEST problems with the Braves is pitching. Not trying to be disrespectful to Roger McDowell ( former New York Met pitcher ) but it has to be given some thought. I am definately not saying that this is Roger's fault because your pitchers aren't what they use to be but maybe he delivers a different message that Leo. Something to think about.

well, i personally think that the atlanta braves have a solid team now and that if they keep the same names next year, they will be ok. but they also have to consider that the new york mets, florida marlins, and philidelphia phillies are all in their division, and i know that the marlins and phillies will only get stronger with the marlins being more experienced and the phillies players gaining stability.

Well, the Braves season ended today with a 79-83 record, and four wins in their last six games. That is Atlanta's last game until April, 2007. It feels very odd not to say:" The playoffs start Tuesday or Wednesday".
As I look back on the Braves 2006 season, I think they failed to make the playoffs for three reasons. One, their 4.60 team ERA, way too high for a playoff team. Two, their many injuries this year, especially to Chipper Jones, and three, the loss of Leo Mazzone, and their awful bullpen, until Bob Wickman arrived.
I hope that John Scherholtz, the Braves GM, makes solid moves over the winter, to at least get us into the wild card. Until then, the long winter begins, and it does seem very odd.

Mitch