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I am big believer that I am a giant jinx and curse on this baseball club and that everything I do in a cosmic sense will determine the future of my favorite baseball team. Earlier this year I wrote about the team being in first place (see how I am carefully avoiding using the team’s name here) and they pretty much immediately proceeded to sink further down into the standings.
But I am going to risk jinxing them today in order to point out just how much more fun it is watch them play now.
One month ago the manager was fired. On that day, the team was 47-46, third in their division and 7.5 games back of the division-leader. The team’s chances to win the division (according to Fangraphs)? 2.6% To win the Wild Card? 18.4%. That means the playoff odds were around 21%.
Around July 24 is where things started to look a little bleak. People were advocating selling and playing for 2019. The team had dropped to fourth in the division at 51-50, with total Fangraphs playoff odds sitting at 17%. It grew bleaker from there, dropping all the way down to 7.0% at the trade deadline.
Then the team made some moves. They made a few trades, brought up some young players from the minors, cut some ineffective veteran relievers and brought up the youngsters. The team also started hitting better and its best hitter was suddenly in talks as an MVP candidate. The playoff odds began to climb
Today, the team is 64-55, sitting at third place and five games back in the division. Their odds to make the playoffs? 28.8%.
It has been pretty fun to watch lately. Gosh, I really hope I didn’t jinx it.
what else is going on in baseball...
MLB jersey numbers likely to be retired next | MLB.com
Carlos Correa and Marwin Gonzalez stellar double play | MLB.com
Handicapping the Award Races: Cy Young | FanGraphs Baseball
Jackie Bradley Jr. and the Error Rule | FanGraphs Baseball
The last position player to pitch for every team | SBNation.com
The best weird home run names, from ‘Ultimate Grand Slam’ to ‘Golden Homer’ | SBNation.com
Loss of Kenley Jansen Exposes Dodgers’ Bullpen Mess | FanGraphs Baseball
Ramon Laureano makes incredible throw for A's | MLB.com
Vladimir Guerrero Jr homers in fourth straight | MLB.com
Barry Bonds honored as Giants retire No. 25 | MLB.com
what the cardinals are up to...
Cards walk it off in exciting, thrilling 7-6 win over Nationals | Viva El Birdos
Does the Cardinals' Rotation Have Its Own Secret Sauce? Maybe So. | 101Sports.com
McLaughlin: Young Cardinals 'Absolutely' Believe They Can Crack the Postseason. | 101Sports.com
Carlos Martinez to Likely Pitch Out of the Bullpen For Rest of Season after DL | 101Sports.com
KNOW THINE ENEMY...
the worshington nationals
the nl central
On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Brewers series preview | Bleed Cubbie Blue
David Bote hits walk-off grand slam for Cubs | Chicago Cubs
David Bote Rises | FanGraphs Baseball
David Bote and the Maximum Swing | FanGraphs Baseball
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