Atlanta Braves: 10 reasons why we are now at this point

Back in March, only a spot few dared to predict that the Braves would be in the position they are today.  Here’s a look at exactly why.

As the Atlanta Braves are on the cusp of wrapping up the 2018 season, they are also on the verge of clinching the NL’s Eastern Division. Barring a repeat of 2011’s swoon, the Braves will be headed to the postseason.

So here are 10 reasons for this team’s 2018 success:

10. Anibal Sanchez

Sanchez has pitched his best baseball in years this season with the Braves. Over 125 innings pitched and an ERA of 3.01. He has averaged over 1K/IP and has the team lead in WHIP.

Sanchez is also a prime example of how one shouldn’t calculate a pitcher’s success based solely on W-L record as he should no doubt have a better record than 6-6. He has assuredly put himself in position to get strong consideration from Snitker and the coaching staff as to whether he should get a start in the postseason or pitch out of the pen.

To kind of put in perspective of how incredible his season has been, consider this, Sanchez has not allowed 5 Earned Runs in any outing, and the highest his ERA has been all year is 3.13.

None of this accounts for the numerous times we have seen him talking to the younger players as well during a game – especially the pitchers.

Not too bad from a late spring training Minor league signing, huh?

9. Coppolella scandal- Hiring of Alex Anthopoulos

We were all kind of shocked on October 1st last year when “Coppy” resigned. Little did we know what we were all in for over the next couple of months.

Coppy did some good things for the Braves but his exit left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. If you will recall, part of the penalty the Braves got was getting their hands tied from signing premier international talent.

A little loophole that was created though, was that the Braves could trade away their International bonus pool.  Imagine, if you will, having teams give you major league players while all you offer in return is the right for them to spend their money.

But that’s exactly was Alex Anthopoulos has done on multiple occasions (Venters and Brach, plus a key part of the Gausman/O’Day deal) this Summer.  Therefore, one could almost say we got them for nothing in return.

Anthopoulos was hired but didn’t reinvent the wheel and stayed the course while establishing stability in the front office.  He maintained he would not mortgage the future and trade away the farm, and he has mostly done just that.

I’m not sure many other potential GM’s would have followed that plan and therefore, we might not have been in this spot at all.