Atlanta Braves storylines make team easy to root for

The Atlanta Braves have a number of amazing storylines on their roster which make them easy to root for in the postseason.

Maybe Friday is the night. Maybe, just maybe, the Atlanta Braves will defeat the Dodgers, returning to the World Series for the first time since 1999. It would be an impressive story, with the Braves taking out a team that seemed destined to raise the Commissioner’s Trophy; the Dodgers’ offseason moves making them the odds-on favorites since the original spring training began.

But that is not the only impressive story on the Braves. In fact, this roster is filled with players and coaches who seemingly should not be anywhere near this moment.

Let’s begin with manager Brian Snitker. He has been a part of the Braves organization since 1977, a minor league catcher/first baseman for four years before he became a coach. He would coach and manage in the minors until 2016 before he finally reached the majors at 60 years old, the interim manager when Fredi Gonzalez was fired. But the Braves responded to his guidance, and his familiarity with the youngsters on the roster led to his being the permanent manager.

Then we have Freddie Freeman. His presence on the roster would have been a given, except he tested positive for COVID-19. He was laid up due to his symptoms, only to come back and put together an MVP caliber year. Freeman posted an excellent .341/.462/.640 batting line in his 262 plate appearances, hitting 23 doubles and 13 homers to lead the offense.

Freeman’s positive test, and battle with COVID-19, had a ripple effect. Nick Markakis, seeing what Freeman was dealing with, opted out for the season. However, he later had a change of heart, returning to the Braves outfield. While his .254/312/.392 batting line in 141 plate appearances may not impress, he managed to help solidify an outfield that had been hindered by injury and ineffectiveness.

The Braves rotation is a story of its own. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, Max Fried was the only member of the expected Opening Day rotation to take the ball every turn. Even Tommy Milone, who the Braves acquired for depth, fell victim to the injury bug. Instead, the Braves prospects, led by Ian Anderson, stepped up to guide the team into the postseason.

And then, there may be the biggest story of them all. Tyler Matzek had not appeared in the majors since 2015, a former first round pick whose career was seemingly derailed by the Yips. He got worse in the minors, eventually being released and sitting out the 2017 season entirely as he worked with sports phycologists to fix the issue. After two seasons playing in independent leagues, he signed with the Braves, becoming a key piece in the bullpen.

The Atlanta Braves may not be able to go to Disney World if they win the World Series because of the pandemic. Nonetheless, their season is full of storylines that could become a Disney movie.