Breaking down the schedules
by adamlawson on Jul 27, 2009 12:44 PM EDT
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PrintListen, it's great to be optimistic about the Braves right now. And for good reason. Despite being 3.5 down, the Braves are right in the thick of the wild card race. And the other team's schedules make it that much better for the Braves, as I'll break down. Note: For this argument I am going to assume the Cards win the Central, because I think they are now much stronger than anybody else in division. So with that said, here are the wild card threats as of now.
1. Rockies 54-44 0 GB
2. Giants 52-46 2 GB
3. Cubs 51- 45 2 GB
4. Braves 51-48 3.5 GB
5. Marlins 51-48 3.5 GB
6. Astros 50-48 4 GB
7. Brewers 49-49 5 GB
Now let's look at the remaining schedules for each of these teams, and you'll see, the Braves and Marlins have the easiest roads. Which is, like I pointed out in my last article, another reason why our 13 games remaining against them are so critical.
1. Rockies 54-44 Remaining schedule: 4 @ Mets, 3 vs Mets, 3 @ Reds, 4 vs Reds, 3 @ Phillies, 4 vs Cubs, 3 vs Pirates, 3 @ Marlins, 3 @ Nationals, 4 vs Giants, 6 @ Giants, 3 vs Dodgers, 3 @ Dodgers, 3 vs Diamondbacks, 3 @ Diamondbacks, 3 @ Padres, 3 vs Padres, 3 vs Cardinals, 3 vs Brew Crew
Synopsis: Yes, they get 7 games against a battered Mets team, 7 against the underachieving Reds, 3 games in Washington, 3 games at home against the Pirates, 6 games against the DBacks, and 6 games against the Padres. But they, like us, have 6 games against the Dodgers left, 10 games against the Giants, hopefully both teams beat up on each other then, 3 against an improved Cards Club, and 3 games against the Phils in their ballpark. Not an easy road at all for them.
2. Giants 52-46 Remaining schedule: 3 vs Pirates, 4 vs Phillies, 3 @ Phillies, 3 @ Astros, 3 vs Reds, 3 @ Reds, 6 vs Dodgers, 3 @ Dodgers, 4 @ Mets, 4 @ Rockies, 6 vs Rockies, 6 vs Diamondbacks, 3 @ Diamondbacks, 3 @ Brewers, 3 vs Padres, 3 @ Padres, 4 vs Cubs
Synopsis: Very, very tough road for the Gmen here. 7 games versus the Phils, 3 against the 'Stros, 10 against the Rockies, and 7 against the Dodgers.
3. Cubs 51-45 Remaining Schedule: 7 versus Astros, 3 @ Marlins, 3 @ Reds, 3 versus Reds, 4 @ Rockies, 3 vs Phillies, 6 versus Pirates, 3 @ Pirates, 3 @ Padres, 4 @ Dodgers, 3 versus Nats, 3 vs Mets, 3 @ Mets, 1 vs White Sox, 4 vs Brewers, 3 @ Brewers, 3 @ Cardinals, 4 @ Giants, 3 vs Diamondbacks
Synopsis: Very tough once again. Makeup date of interleague play against the ChiSox. 4 games in LA. 7 against the 'Stros. 3 against the Phils and 3 at St. Louis also loom large
4. Braves 51-48 Remaining Schedule: 7 @ Marlins, 6 vs Marlins, 3 vs Dodgers, 4 @ Dodgers, 3 @ Padres, 3 vs Padres, 6 vs Nats, 3 @ Nats, 6 vs Phillies, 3 @ Phillies, 1 vs Diamondbacks, 6 @ Mets, 3 vs Mets, 3 vs Reds, 3 @ Astros, 3 @ Cards
Synopsis: Very interesting schedule, but I like it if we can find a way to beat the Nats and Marlins and continue to own the Phils. It's unbelievable that of our remaining 63 games, 40 are against the NL East! FORTY! What's more odd is that our last 19 games are against division foes. It is absolutely critical that we find a way to win during that span. Also, our nine game stretch against Central teams Cincy, Houston and St. Louis will be critical.
5. Marlins 51-48 Remaining Schedule: 7 vs Braves, 6 @ Braves, 3 vs Cubs, 6 @ Nats, 3 vs Nats, 6 @ Phils, 4 vs Phils, 4 vs Astros, 3 @ Astros, 3 vs the Rockies, 6 vs Mets, 3 @ Mets, 3 vs Padres, 3 @ Cards, 4 @ Reds
Synopsis: Well, apparently the Marlins are playing 163 games. Which means SI schedules messed up for them. Which means I'm too lazy to look for a correction. So whatever the schedule above is, they play one team one less game than listed. Not a very easy schedule, but not the hardest either.
6. Astros 50-48 Remaining Schedule: 7 @ Cubs, 6 @ Cards, 3 vs Cards, 3 vs Giants, 3 vs Brewers, 6 @ Brewers, 4 @ Marlins, 3 vs Marlins, 3 vs Diamondbacks, 3 @ Diamondbacks, 4 vs Phillies, 4 @ Phillies, 3 vs Braves, 3 vs Pirates, 3 @ Reds, 3 vs Reds, 3 @ Mets
Synopsis: Possibly the toughest schedule out of the bunch. 8 against the Phils, 7 against the Marlins, 10 against the Brewers, and 9 against the Cards is not going to be easy
7. Brewers 49-49 Remaining Schedule: 4 vs Nats, 4 @ Nats, 3 @ Padres, 3 vs Padres, 3 @ Dodgers, 6 vs Astros, 3 @ Astros, 3 @ Pirates, 3 vs Pirates, 3 vs Reds, 6 @ Cards, 3 vs Cards, 3 vs Giants, 3 @ Diamondbacks, 4 @ Cubs, 3 vs Cubs, 4 vs Phillies, 3 @ Rockies
Synopsis: Their upcoming schedule is ridiculously easy. But, they've been so bad lately it might not matter.
In summary, it took me forever to write all this. So at the very least say thank you and hit recommend. It's the least you can do. And from looking at the schedules, the Braves road looks promising.
This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.
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Although we have a million games left w/ the NL East I still think our road to the playoffs is through the wildcard.
Just keep winning series…
by Chesterhighwater on Jul 27, 2009 1:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
wow.
I thought you were looking at the NL East teams before i clicked on this. Had no idea you would go the extra mile and do the Wild Card
Good Job.
I agree that we MUST win against the Marlins and the Nats. Not to mention the Muts
Buster Olney did a story on the road to October a couple weeks ago
ESPN Insiders can see it here:
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4338196&name=olney_buster
If not, he ranked the Braves road to October the 2nd hardest of all of the contenders (12 teams listed), only the Astros have it harder. He does mention that the Braves control their own destiny, so they have a shot.
Going back over your teams:
Brewers have it easiest.
Marlins second easiest
Rockies 5th
Giants 8th
Cubs 9th
by Andy Braves Fan on Jul 27, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions
Yes, but Buster Olney is an idiot, plain and simple. What he doesn’t realize is that the Braves own the Phils, and that if we have any sort of success against the Marlins and Nats, and don’t get completely demolished by the Dodgers, then we’re golden.
That is somewhat fair
but the Braves having owned the Phillies so far doesn’t mean that they aren’t a very tough team. And the Braves haven’t had a ton of success against the Marlins or Nats. Assuming the Braves won’t get demolished against the Dodgers is no sure thing. That said, so far so good against contending teams so far since the AS break… Knock on wood.
by Andy Braves Fan on Jul 27, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Just remember
The Phillies own September. Doesn’t matter what variables are up in the air, if there’s anything proven by the last few seasons, the Phillies absolutely run through Septembers as much as the Braves falter through Junes. I’m just hoping that since the roles are kind of reversed, and they’re the front-runners this year, there’s something bound to change that.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Look
In summary, it took me forever to write all this. So at the very least say thank you and hit recommend. It’s the least you can do.
The effort and time you put into your posts are commendable and appreciated, but the pandering for thanks and recommends is kind of unnecessary.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
he did a good job
and people like to be praised for their good work. thanks man. i was thinking about doing this for myself.
7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney
REMEMBER THAT BOYS.
by Scott Coleman on Jul 27, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
That does not matter.
You don’t ask people for thanks. EVER. End of story. People decide that something is nice and then they thank you for it.
I always liked this board, because people are free to come and go and post whatever they want and however much they want, but I am worried that posts like this are gonna make everyone just vying for a spot on the rec’d FanPost spot. Not just adding content becuase they enjoy it.
Please don’t turn TC into a place where everyone checks post counts to see if you are “credible” as a poster. This may be a tangent, but its a dark path into internet hell.
by someguy917 on Jul 27, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
+1
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 27, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
The OP can pander all he wants to
And we are free to not rec the post and subsequently tell the OP to go to hell. Generally speaking, pandering is douchey (sp?), but I just took the last part to be the OP trying (and apparently failing) to make a funny. We shouldn’t get too riled up about it, IMO.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
by buzzdeadwax on Jul 28, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, in that case...
…it’s not pandering, it’s whining. Whining is worse. I withdraw my defense.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
A: it wasn’t a joke
B: it wasn’t close to funny
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 28, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
actually
as a non-joke…it kind of is funny IMO. I mean, asking for a rec….
by Andy Braves Fan on Jul 28, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
More sad, really
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 28, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 27, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
well then why dont u take the time out to do all that. im just saying, it wasn’t easy to do all that and i appreciate thanks because i think that they are warranted.
I'm not blind
And neither are a lot of people here. They know good contributions when they see them. What I’m just saying is that you’ll get thanks and recommends without having to instruct others that you’re owed them, if what you’ve written is truly quality.
I wouldn’t take the time to do something like this, because it’s still largely subjective opinion, and I try to keep that to a minimal. Besides, when it comes to baseball, I prefer to focus on today rather than tomorrow, next week, or next month – take it one game, one series at a time, and see where we stand once the dust settles.
And please, utilize the appropriate reply button when responding to comments; it makes following a thread a lot more coherent and flow better.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Jul 27, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
well if this isnt your cup of tea
dont read the thread. as players, they should focus one game at a time. as fans it makes a lot of sense for us to look at the big picture.
I don't say this often, but
I’m not blind
And neither are a lot of people here. They know good contributions when they see them. What I’m just saying is that you’ll get thanks and recommends without having to instruct others that you’re owed them, if what you’ve written is truly quality.
THIS
by Lizziebeth on Jul 27, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
KJ and Norton sux
Please green this comment, it took me forever to write.
If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).
Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.
by TradeAndruw on Jul 27, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Thanks and “rec’d”
Now thank this reply and rec it. It took me more than 20 seconds to do.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 27, 2009 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
damn reply to the bottom post
I always mess this up…lol
This post was directed towards TA.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 27, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
rec’d
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Jul 29, 2009 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Rockies
It seemed strange to me, but I kept watching highlights and it seemed the Rockies were always at Coors field. Went back and looked it up. The Rockies had a four game road stretch against pitiful San Diego right after the ASB, but to that point, they’d played 16 of 20 July games at home.
I’m no expert on Major League scheduling, but something says the Rockies will have to hit the road a bunch here pretty soon. Might be a time for them to drop a few.
Confusing
Read that again and it was difficult to decipher. Point I am trying to make is that up until tonight, when the Rockies open up at NY, they had played only 5 road games in July (one against LAD on July 1 and 4 against SD last week).
lol…you’re good man, I got what you were saying on the first try.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 27, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
ha
Me too.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 27, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
A large part of why the Rockies had so many home games in July
Is because they had the fewest in the MLB up to that point. Going forward the schedule’s pretty even, 33 home, 31 away.
25 games against the nats, pads, d-backs (only one), and mets. We need to win at least 18 or so of those games
by McCann's the Man on Jul 27, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
7-2 (8-1?) against the Nats.
5-1 against SD.
1-0 against the D-backs.
6-3 against the Mets (only because we get them 6 times in September, when they could have Beltran, Reyes, and Delgado all back).
That’s 19 wins. 20 if we can really handle the Nationals, but we really haven’t had any luck with them.
by Bronn on Jul 28, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i dont think
reyes will come back this season,
and the mets bp is horrible because of injuries
by carolinabrave89 on Jul 28, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I was so hoping someone would do this!!!! (rec for sure)
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by HEYJUDE on Jul 27, 2009 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec this please.
I just want to feel appreciated.
The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault. -Ty Cobb
Looking into my Cystal Ball
Not a bad post…I don’t know how to “Rec” um…but I am damn sure I have been.(sorry that sounds like a dirty joke)..I don’t think I asked. I am sure I have asked (begged) for something on the post so I guess since the post was full of usefull info if someone explains how I can Rec I will?….
Yes, back to my subject line…my question is who do you think that is playing hot now will "fizzel (looks to me to be the Dodgers…good timing but wish it was the phils) and who will begin to “Sizzle” (looks like the Cubies…with all the runs they are scoring) ????
I literally have no idea what you said in the first half of your post…lol
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 31, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Me neither
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
oh, the first part
The first part was a feeble attempt to make light of the fact that AdamL. wanted a Rec! Then I requested that someone tell me how to do it….which ESADB was most gracious in pointing out and for some reason have never noticed…
I hope this explained it good enough and even though I might have written this with a condensending tone it is my wish to help my fellow man….Sh!@#$t try harder or just ignore it …like, let it go man!..LOL (humor attempt denoted by the “LOL”), or try reading something more than the sportspage…it is only written to a 6th grade level anyhow…(a humorus “dis” attempt)
Of course it may lead to writting like I do, where no one can read or understand what he hell you are writing because all the “Metaphores”, lost historical references and having to explain via parenthisis. (oh yea it would help if I could speel…hee hee)
Would one of you intelligent posters update this?
I doubt the current poster wants anything to do with it now………..
Thanks!
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
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