Playoffs
Schedule & Game Recap |
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Strong finish has Braves excited about 2012
Heading into the 2011 season, it was well documented on this site how the Braves invited their entire expansion roster back for year 2, and then supplemented by adding several new faces in fielding a 20 man roster comprised of diverse baseball backgrounds. All this provided for high hopes heading into the season, yet the first two months of the season turned out to be a washout, in more ways than just all the rainouts. The team got off to a very disappointing 2-8 start, and many of the players new and old were wondering what was wrong. Due to this bad start, the team's preseason goal of earning a playoff spot in just its second year of existence was in serious jeopardy. Thus, every game from this point on took on a must-win theme. But with their backs up against the wall, the Braves came together at just the right time, compiling a strong 7-4-1 record over their final 12 games, and grabbing the 8th and final playoff spot. Where did that 7-4-1 record rank compared to the rest of the league? Below are the 12 BVB teams' won-lost records for each over their final 12 gamesCardinals: 10-2-0, ---MudHens: 9-2-1, ---Brewers: 9-2-1, 0.5Hobos: 9-3-0, 1.0Braves: 7-4-1, 2.5Red Sox: 5-5-2, 4.0Tigers: 5-6-1,4.5Phillies: 4-6-2, 5.0X-Men: 3-9-0, 7.0Giants: 3-9-0, 7.0Yankees: 2-8-2, 7.0Cubs: 1-9-2, 8.0Although that only represents a little over half a season, it certainly is encouraging to believe that the Braves may be ready to compete with the big boys on a more consistent basis going forward.During the hot streak, perhaps the one game that best symbolized the revitalized Braves was a late-season game against the equally hot Mud Hens. It was a very close game, as the Hens clung to a slim 2-1 lead through 5 complete. But in the top of the 6th inning, the Hens tacked on 4 huge insurance runs, capped by a 3-run homer by Brian Ferguson to take a seemingly insurmountable 6-1 lead, heading to the bottom of the 6th.At this point it would have been easy for the Braves to pack it in, as they had lost many a game in similar late heartbreaking fashion, but not on this night. First it was a 3-run homer off the bat of Constantinos Gionas in the bottom of the 6th that got the Braves going, and now trailed 6-4. Then in the bottom of the 7th, with a man on, John McNeil hit a majestic, no-doubter of a home run well beyond the left field fence, tying the game at 6-6. Not only was it a tremendous comeback and one accomplished with powerful authority, but ironically it also was the game that clinched the Braves’ first-ever post season berth. It was certainly an exclamation point, announcing the arrival of the Braves as a team to be reckoned with.Heading into the playoffs, the team continued to jell and come together during an intense quarter final series against the more experienced and seasoned Cardinals. It was a series where neither team was willing to give an inch, on or off the field, and it was huge to see the Braves players rally around one another as they went into battle together. And while the Braves were swept in the best of 5 series, the games were much closer than one would think. It was a huge learning experience for the Braves, and one that will serve them well in 2012. Following the season, the Braves held their second annual year ender, where the team MVP was announced. Constantinos Gionas was a unanimous choice, as he led the team in most offensive and pitching categories, including batting average with a .500 mark, and home runs with 2. He also added 2 wins and 5 saves as the team’s closer. Honourable mention went to Greg Froese, who enjoyed perhaps his finest offensive season of his long BVB career. He hit .333 with a lofty .489 on-base percentage, with many of those hits and walks coming in crucial 2-out situations that kept alive critical rallies. And on the mound, after a slow start, he went 4-1 to finish the season. Kaname Kakuma was also in the top 3 of the MVP voting, as he hit .409 with a robust .536 on-base as the team’s leadoff hitter. There are a few people we wish to thank for their contributions. First and foremost, thanks to our first base coach Dave Frizzell, who was at just about every Braves game doing his thing, while also being at his late wife’s side during her battle with cancer. He was a true inspiration to every single Braves player, and we dedicated our second half success to him. Thanks also goes out to BVB veteran Sean Clarke, who came out of retirement two years ago in order to lend some credibility to the fledging expansion Braves. And that he did, as Clarkie was and is a class act. He has now re-retired, and insists this isn’t a Brett Favre kind of retirement. Another thank you goes out to Matt Froese. As many of you BVB vets already know, Matt was a lights-out pitcher in this league until he suffered a debilitating shoulder injury 3 years ago, which limited him to just 2 innings over his 2 years with the Braves. But in the playoffs, he sucked it up, and took to the mound, throwing 4 very effective innings against the powerful Cardinals, and in fact was in line for the Game 1 win if the Braves had been able to hold the 7-1 lead for him. Finally, a thank-you to Jeffery Crouse, who travelled all the way from Oshawa (a $50 dollar round trip cost on the 407, not including gas), to lend his big-game experience. He was dominant in the playoffs, as he went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles off the wall at Nelson, and added a couple of walks. I personally want to thank all of the Braves players. We on the Braves pride ourselves in aiming to put together a roster comprised of guys who respect and support and root for one another, where the team is more important than the individual, and this year’s group was no exception. There are absolutely no cliques on this team, and it shows on the field, especially when things are not going our way out there. You will never catch this team turning on one another.And last but not least, a huge thank-you to all of the BVB Executive, from President Jim Hambrook and VP Walter Lutz on down, who have each donated hundreds of hours of their own time to make the BVB into one of the best leagues around. From the parks, to the scheduling, to the finances, to the umpires, none of this is possible without them.The Braves have been lying low since the year end party, enjoying the off season, but there are plans to begin some informal indoor workouts in late January and through February. Until then, as we head into the Holiday Season, we would like to wish our Braves families, and our extended BVB families, a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy and prosperous 2012. We also include the Wilkinson family in our thoughts and prayers. See you all in 2012. |
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