Braves Clinch 4th Consecutive NL East Title Under Brian Snitker

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 not only to complete a three game sweep but to win their fourth consecutive NL East title. All of these divisional titles came under the stewardship of Brian Snitker. More on him in a moment.

This was the Braves most challenging season of Snitker's tenure. For most of the season, the Braves were under .500. On August 1st, the Braves were 52-55 in third place 5 games back of the New York Mets. The Metropolitans then proceeded to have an epic collapse. Initially, the Phillies were the beneficiary but the Braves came into their own winning 16 of 18 games including a 9 game winning streak which put them in top spot of the division on August 15th. 

What is remarkable is that all of this happened without their 23-year old superstar Ronald Acuna, Jr. who tore the ACL in his right knee prior to the All-Star Break. But last year's NL MVP Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley stepped up with 30 plus HR seasons. The trade deadline acquisitions of Jorge Soler from the Kansas City Royals and Adam Duvall from the Miami Marlins also paid dividends. 

It also doesn't hurt to have four starters in double digits in wins - Charlie Morton, Max Fried, Drew Smyly and Ian Anderson. The Braves also have a power bullpen in Luke Jackson, Tyler Matzek and closer Will Smith.

But it's Snitker's low key demeanor which keeps everything together. Even when the Braves were struggling Snitker never pushed the panic button. From where I sit, Snitker is the most underrated manager in MLB. Now he did win NL Manager of the Year in 2018 and perhaps hasn't received his due because the Braves haven't reached the World Series. We shall see how the Braves fare against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.

Nevertheless, I am heartened to see that Snitker is having the success he has had with an organization he has been with since 1977. Snitker will remain in the Braves dugout through at least the 2023 season with an option for 2024. 

On a personal note what would have happened if I were still in Atlanta? Perhaps I would have paid more attention. Maybe I would have made the trek out to Cobb County to see game. If the Braves win the NL pennant or the World Series it will make the memory of losing the All-Star Game but a footnote.