Atlanta Braves Notes

Last night, the Atlanta Braves’ 14 game winning streak ended when they lost (1-0) at home to the Miami Marlins. Not to worry as the Braves have a 14 and a half game lead in the NL East.

In each of the past two seasons, the Braves were denied a spot in the division series by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2011, the Cardinals, who made an amazing run to win their 11th World Series (second only to the New York Yankees) beat out the Braves on the season’s final day to become the NL wild card team.

Last year in the first year with two wild card teams, the Cardinals beat the Braves in Atlanta to advance to the division series.

It is safe to say the Braves will not be denied a berth in the division series this season. How they will fare from that point on is pure speculation.

Seemingly they are hurt by the loss of their fine starting pitcher, Tim Hudson. They do have an incredible and deep bullpen. Surely that is a big asset as they seek their first NLCS appearance since 2001.

The Braves made a record 8 straight League Championship Series from 1991-1999, with of course no post season in 1994. They won in the division series to qualify for the NLCS in the last five appearances (1995-1999).

Click to see some Braves 2013 highlights