Can the Braves Hang On?

Well ladies and gents, here we are a week away from the MLB playoffs. Two spots are still up for grabs: the NL West and NL Wild Card. Between the Braves, Giants, and Padres, two of those three will be playoff bound. The Braves will play host to the the Phillies this weekend in the last ever regular season series for Bobby Cox. The Giants and Padres will do battle against one another to decide the fate of the NL West, and possibly the Wild Card.

For the Braves, it really is as simple as "win and your're in." Their magic number to clinch the Wild Card, something that Bobby Cox has yet to do, is down to four games. It's quite remarkable actually when you think about it. While the Braves have stuggled mightly in September and blew a good-sized division lead, the fact that they are this depleted and still have a shot at postseason is a huge accomplishment. Bobby Cox is once again showing us what we will miss come next year.

Currently, the Braves are without Prado, Jones, Jurrjens, and Saito. Those are four big pieces to the puzzle. Derek Lee, like I predicted earlier, has struggled. Nate McLouth is producing well and I think he will start all three games against Philly this weekend. Make no mistake about it though, the Braves may be one-and-done in the playoffs in terms of series. I am just not sure they can overcome other teams. Yes, they have played well against all the NL playoff teams, but postseason is a different beast all together. Throw out the book.

Before we discuss the postseason though, can the Braves hang on in the Wild Card? I think they can just by the mere fact that the Giants and Padres play each other this weekend. Someone has to lose out there. Plus, the Phillies will probably rest some of their starters. So, the Braves will have those two factors working in their favor.

I will make this prediction though. Eric Hinske, yes Eric Hinske, will be the glue that holds this team together. He is the one I want up in a big-time situation. Let's go Braves!!!