August 3, 200421 yr I definitely understand that there are a ton of games left, a lot of time to make up the ground that we need to. But can the team get it together in time? The talent is without a doubt there. The trades were huge. But the fact is that the Braves have a 6 game head start as of right now and that is a A LOT of ground to make up on a team that has owned the division for over a decade. I'm definitely not saying that it's impossible or anything, because it's not. The talent is there, and the big game experience is there for this team to make a run these last 2 months. Can it be done? I sure hope so. The biggest x-factor is Beckett. If he stays healthy, I think it will be a big enough mental boost to lift the team to get right back to the top of the division.
August 3, 200421 yr the braves don't play well outside the division, the phils do. Braves 6-9 against the NL West, 10-11 against the NL Central. Phils are 14-5 vs. West, 9-9 vs. Central. Marlins are 7-14 vs. Central, 9-8 vs. West.
August 3, 200421 yr Braves face Houston and Arizona next 6 games. They have a chance, but the Marlins face Arizona and Milwaukee. Phils face San Diego and LA.
August 3, 200421 yr Win tonight, and have the Braves lose. 5 sounds a ton better than 6. 491657[/snapback] Then repeat 7 times.
August 3, 200421 yr Win tonight, and have the Braves lose.? 5 sounds a ton better than 6. 491657[/snapback] Then repeat 7 times. 491659[/snapback] LOL Well the Phillies next few games are the worst. I say we'll be in first in a matter of 2 weeks starting tonight. Braves will fall and Phills will never rise. They can do it!
August 3, 200421 yr Yes, we could get back. But this team is yet to show it has a heart. Playing .500 ball all year, getting sweep by non contending teams. We don't even know how the recent changes will improve this team. For some reason after the changes, the team's moral was an all time season low. One or two games going the other way, and we may dug a hole to China where there is no coming back. I say we have less than 10% chances of closing the gap with the Braves. Hope everything works out at the end.
August 3, 200421 yr Remember, tonight starts the 'new' Marlin team. 6 games is a hell of a lot to make up, but we're still very much in it, and I don't think it's overstating saying that when healthy we're head and shoulders above the rest of the division now. Either way, we're certainly not out of it.
August 3, 200421 yr I agree with most of you...Beckett is the key to our post season hopes. Healthy Beckett = playoffs. Personally, if we cut Atlanta's lead to 3 or less, I'd call August a hell of a month. It's now or never...Playball!!!
August 3, 200421 yr Realistically, with the number of games we play in August, making up 3 games this month is realistic. (for example, we go 19-7, while they go 16-10) That gives us September to make up the remaining 3 games, and we play Atlanta 6 times in Sept. (3 at home, 3 in ATL) So if we beat them 4-2 in those series, and go 17-6 in our other games, while the Braves go 14-7, that will leave us up by 1 at the end of September. Each team finishes with 3 games on the road, but we're in Philly while the Braves visit the Cubs. Atlanta also has 2 games to be made up if necessary, 1 against the Rockies and 1 against the Mets. I don't know what the rules are on that. This isn't exactly a "prediction" but just a stab at showing that winning the division is still within our grasp. The new lineup, and the pitching staff, juat have to go out and play the way we know they can. :marlins
August 3, 200421 yr Mota and Benitez will win this division by themselves if they have to. Lo Duca and Mikey will help.
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