It was all set up for the Braves in the National League Divisional Series. Atlanta was hosting the St. Louis Cardinals in a winner take all game five. Postseason failures of the past could be forgiven and forgotten forever. Most important of all the Braves would advance to the National League Championship Series. Often burned Atlanta fans filled the home park with eager enthusiasm. This time it was going to be different. Except it was not. To illuminate the Braves pulled off their worst ever MLB betting choke job.
In-game five of the NLCS the Braves did what only they could do. For all that hype, St. Louis bombed the Braves for 10 runs in the top of the first inning. The one positive was that Atlanta fans could beat the traffic. Much of the stadium was evacuated in less than an inning. Atlanta was humiliated 13-1. More emphatically they became a caricature of themselves. The biggest chokers in baseball flopped again. Though this may be true the fact remains the Braves are likely to make it back to the playoffs again for 2020.
2020 Atlanta Braves
Odds to win World Series: +1300
Odds to win National League: +600
2019 Record: 97-65
Standing: 1st place in National League East
2020 Offseason Overview
To be exact the departure of Josh Donaldson raised a few eyebrows. Atlanta believes that Austin Riley will be a Sports betting asset in his place at third base. Marcel Ozuna could prove to be a wise addition as designated and cleanup hitter. Namely, Cole Hamels could prove to be the most valuable addition. The veteran starter solidifies an already good rotation.
Manager Brad Snitker
Owing to multiple stints as a Braves coach Brad Snitker was well suited to be manager. Snitker took over during the 2016 season and quickly got a young talented team up to speed. He has led the Braves to back to back National League East division titles. Correlate that Snitker was named 2018 National League Manager of the Year. His vast experience managing in the Braves minor league system made him a perfect choice as the skipper. Atlanta compiled a strong roster of raw talent that needed nurturing. Snitker delivered it in spades.
Starting Pitching
To begin with when the Braves are successful with the baseball odds it’s by pitching. Atlanta has had one of the best pitching staff in the past two years. This year is expected to be more of the same.
Right-handed number one starter Mike Soroka is just 22 years old. Soroka is coming off an All-Star season. He has already compiled a 15-5 career record with a 2.79 earned run average. Last year his WHIP was 1.11 with 163 strikeouts in 200.1 innings of work.
Left-hander Max Fried is coming off a career season for 2019. Fried, 26, was 17-6 with a 4.02 earned run average with a WHIP of 1.33. In sum, He struck out 173 batters in 165.2 innings of work.
36-year-old left-hander Cole Hamels arrives from the Cubs where he was 7-7 with a 3.81 earned run average in 2019. Correspondingly Hamels is a four-time All-Star.
Relief Pitching
Right-hand reliever Shane Greene is coming off an All-Star season in 2019. Greene split time between the Tigers and the Braves. Overall, he combined for a 2.30 earned run average with 64 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched.
Right-hand closer Mark Melancon arrived from the Giants to become the Braves closer in 2019. In turn, he is a three-time All-Star and 2015 National League reliever of the year.
Key Hitters
Leadoff man Ronald Acuna is a 2019 All-Star that exploded for 41 home runs, 127 runs, and 101 runs batted in. In short, the right fielder could redefine the leadoff role. He stole 37 bases last season.
Freddie Freeman is slated to hit third after a fourth career All-Star season. Freeman compiled 113 runs, 34 doubles, 38 home runs, and 121 runs batted in. First base is a position that he is setting the standard for.
Atlanta Braves Restart Betting Outlook
Starting with a superior roster and expanded playoff the Braves are almost certain to make the playoffs. By reason of their perpetual postseason failures does skepticism begin there.
