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Atlanta Braves Five Things Atlanta Must do to Win NLDS

By Kit Anderson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 24: Dan Winkler #58 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 24: Dan Winkler #58 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

1. Atlanta Must Stop Handing out Free Passes

Watching the Atlanta Braves bullpen at times this season was best described as simply painful. While their collection of bullpen arms is a healthy mix of veterans and young arms Atlanta was plagued by walks.

Including a 14-walk game earlier in the season Atlanta struggled to help themselves. Atlanta was second worst in all of baseball with 635 walks given up. Trailing only the lowly White Sox in that category.

If the Braves want to advance they simply cannot give a good offensive team like the Dodgers extra chances.

Walks will quickly turn into runs in important must-win games. The bullpen has to do a better job limiting the damage and not hurting themselves.

Looking at the Atlanta bullpen overall, there is reason to be concerned. There isn’t one name in the bullpen demanding respect from the opposing lineup.

The pen must step up overachieving and avoiding handing out walks if the Braves want to win their series against the Dodgers.  Walking hitters early in the series will almost certainly bode ill for the Braves.

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