MLB
NLDS Preview: Keys for the Youthful Atlanta Braves
The NLDS featuring the youthful Atlanta Braves and the redemption-seeking Los Angeles Dodgers is sure to be a back and forth affair. Both teams have enough pitching and the offensive capability to put up big numbers. But one thing that could set these teams apart is the experience.
The Dodgers are coming off their 6th Division Title in a row. Looking at this time finishing off what they couldn’t on November 1st last fall. The Braves are coming off their first Division Title since 2013, also their last playoff appearance. There is only one starter from that 2013 team that’s still on this years team, Freddie Freeman. That youth can factor in in many ways good and bad. Heres the keys to the series that can lead the Braves to an upset over the established Dodgers.
Let the Kids Play
Like I said earlier, the inexperience of the Braves could prove detrimental. But, with leaders like probable NL Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuña (20), Ozzie Albies (21), and Johan Camargo (24), it’s important for the Braves to let their young studs play their way and not try and control them for the bigger October stage. It worked all season long for the Braves, winning 90 games, why change the way they play now. If they let Acuña and others play with the type of guts and aggressiveness that they have all season, it could lead to problems for LA. And that youth would prove to be a benefit, not a detriment.
Don’t Over Manage
We see this a lot with relatively new managers. Heck, we see it a lot with even experienced managers (see Joe Maddon in the NL Wild Card game a few nights ago). A skipper will overthink the situation and try one too many moves to the bullpen or try to do some fancy double switch that ends up being too much. It’s important for third-year manager Brian Snitker to stick to basics and remember the things that made his team successful in the regular season. Don’t let the moment get too big and remember that sometimes, while other managers are trying to play 4-D Chess, it is just checkers.
Jump on the Dodgers Early
The Dodgers have gone with Ryu for Game 1 and Kershaw for Game 2. Both these pitchers have had playoff struggles in the past, but are good enough to settle in. And once these two settle in, they are as dominant as anyone. If the Braves have a chance, it’s because they are swinging early, not letting counts get deep, and focusing on moving runners over. Take every opportunity at early runs that you can get because they’ll only get harder to find the later it gets. If the Braves get to Ryu and Kershaw early, they have a good shot at winning Game 1 and/or Game 2. With the ability to lock it down and move on to the NLCS on home field.
