The stat showing the array of one run losses spanning back to 2006 started out as an oddity, attributable to some problems with holding and/or closing games mixed with a dash of bad luck. Then, about 2 weeks ago, when the Atlanta Braves squandered another chance to win a game late, it became eerie. Well, folks, I think it has officially become Hitchcockian.
They are now 0-9 in one run games this year and stand as the ONLY major league team not to eek out a victory in such a close affair. Sure, the bullpen is banged up and the offense only shows up every other day but this is ridiculous. ESPN analysts were marveling at the stat 5 one run losses ago. It stands to reason that this nightmarish distinction will come to an end sonner or later and the Braves will win a few contests in dramatic fashion. The question is: will it be too late it? If they lose the division by 2 games, how stomach turning will hindsight be, knowing that if they had even managed to win 20% of the close ones…
Alas, we can indulge in what-if scenarios until we are blue in the face. There is a vast expanse of a season still lying before us, unwritten. Mike Gonzales’s return to his role as set-up man now seems imminent, as does John Smoltz’s return to the closer’s role. Just like that, the 8th and 9th inning could suddenly prove to be the Braves’ most formidable. Unfortunately, things haven’t been working out ‘just like that’ in quite a while. They’ll have to take it one run at a time.
Ray–[BravesNuWorld]
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Atlanta Braves, Hitchock, John Smoltz, Mike Gonzales
