re: The ATL Thread 10/9 | NLDS Game 5 | Cardinals (Flaherty) @ Braves (Folty) 4:00 PM CDT

Looking back on this series, the Braves had their chances... and the loss revealed several holes on the roster -

I think there is plenty of blame to go around -
Bottom line is the Braves were the better team and coulda, shoulda woulda won Games 1, 2,3 and 4.

+ We had excellent SP in Games 2 and 3. Otherwise, the Braves need 1 Frontline Starter.

+ The bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the 8th innings of Games 1 and 4. Martin's injury hurt.

+ The middle of the order disappeared - Freeman, Donaldson, Kakes, and Mac. Absolutely atrocious with runners in scoring position.

+ Situational hitting. Small ball. Manufacturing runs.

+ And now with the retirement of BMac, the Braves need a legit Catcher. Flowers isn't the answer.

The Cardinals had so many of those broken-bat, bloop-find-a-hole clutch hits.... some of that is just random baseball luck.

Game 5 was just an avalanche. Quicksand. THey completely imploded under the pressure of Game 5.

But the truth is - the Braves should have wrapped up this series in St Louis.

Let's hope AA resigns Donaldson, acquires a #1 starter, more bullpen help.... and a catcher in the offseason.

I know it's too early to reflect.... but the Braves were 1 of the Top 4-5 teams in Baseball all season long, until yesterday. 97 wins is a really good season. It sucks that tomorrow will be what we fans choose to remember.