2021-10-12 (NLDS Game #4): Brewers (Lauer) at Braves (Morton) [Brewers lose, 5-4 -- Freeman’s 8th inning HR off Hader breaks tie, and hearts]

[Marc Newfield of Dreams]

I think he was reacting more to the posters who said this team wouldn't be memorable, or would be a "fart in the wind". You are 100% correct in saying that you can be disappointed and upset at a lost opportunity. The point is the old cliche that the "journey is its own reward." Personally, this is been a fun season to follow the Brewers. Regardless of what happens in this series, this is a very good ballclub.

 

Two 100+ win teams will fail to reach the LCS. And if it's LA, it'll be one with a $267 million dollar payroll.

 

As frustrating as the Brewers cold snap has been, it could always be worse.

[MrTPlush]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I am going to give my thoughts on this now so I am not one of those people 9 innings later trying to act like I knew all along we should have done differently if Lauer sucks.

 

A) I think starting Morton today is getting too cute and over thinking it. I get the logic, you now have Morton and then Freid the last two games. However, they are in the drivers seat. Just try to win today and if not let Morton/Freid steamroll us in Game 5 if you need them both. That being said this move is a clear sign they hate their chances in a Game 5 and this decision only makes their chances in Game 5 worse if they fail to win today. Props to them for gunning for it in Game 4.

 

B) I support starting Lauer. Dude has been incredible lately and starting Burnes on short rest just seems ill-advised when we would still have to win another game anyway. Brewers hitters have Morton's stuff in recent memory...the Braves can't say the same about Lauer.

[Jopal78]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I hope you're right about Morton; but the last time he went on short rest in the playoffs was Game 7 of the 2017 World Series where he pitched 4 innings allowing two hits and a walk and picking up the win.

 

I think it goes to show you the Braves aren't messing around and are going with their big game pitcher today. If Morton would lay an egg today they'll have even worse options Thursday.

[jonescm128]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I am going to give my thoughts on this now so I am not one of those people 9 innings later trying to act like I knew all along we should have done differently if Lauer sucks.

 

A) I think starting Morton today is getting too cute and over thinking it. I get the logic, you now have Morton and then Freid the last two games. However, they are in the drivers seat. Just try to win today and if not let Morton/Freid steamroll us in Game 5 if you need them both. That being said this move is a clear sign they hate their chances in a Game 5 and this decision only makes their chances in Game 5 worse if they fail to win today. Props to them for gunning for it in Game 4.

 

B) I support starting Lauer. Dude has been incredible lately and starting Burnes on short rest just seems ill-advised when we would still have to win another game anyway. Brewers hitters have Morton's stuff in recent memory...the Braves can't say the same about Lauer.

 

Let's hope they take a different approach against Morton this time around. Jump on that fastball and don't let him kill you with the curve.

[MrTPlush]

Should be interesting to see how long they let him pitch on short rest. If he maxes out at 4-5 innings (even scoreless) that is hardly a disaster from the Brewers perspective. Their bullpen hasn't exactly been crisp and the more we see those relievers the better chance our batters figure them out for some runs. It is less exciting if they are willing to toss Morton for 100 or 100+ pitches if he is dealing.

[StearnsFTW]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I am going to give my thoughts on this now so I am not one of those people 9 innings later trying to act like I knew all along we should have done differently if Lauer sucks.

 

A) I think starting Morton today is getting too cute and over thinking it. I get the logic, you now have Morton and then Freid the last two games. However, they are in the drivers seat. Just try to win today and if not let Morton/Freid steamroll us in Game 5 if you need them both. That being said this move is a clear sign they hate their chances in a Game 5 and this decision only makes their chances in Game 5 worse if they fail to win today. Props to them for gunning for it in Game 4.

 

B) I support starting Lauer. Dude has been incredible lately and starting Burnes on short rest just seems ill-advised when we would still have to win another game anyway. Brewers hitters have Morton's stuff in recent memory...the Braves can't say the same about Lauer.

 

 

Agree on all points.

[KeithStone53151]

 

I hope you're right about Morton; but the last time he went on short rest in the playoffs was Game 7 of the 2017 World Series where he pitched 4 innings allowing two hits and a walk and picking up the win.

 

I think it goes to show you the Braves aren't messing around and are going with their big game pitcher today. If Morton would lay an egg today they'll have even worse options Thursday.

 

The braves will have Fried in a potential game 5 on regular rest. Beyond Burnes the Brewers could use Woodruff for a potential game 5 as well if needed.

[roadcrew3]

I'm with you on this one, a team like the Brewers doesn't have a decade to let a team grow, they have to grab the ring while they have this outstanding pitching. It certainly isn't going to last long.

 

The Brewers are already in year four of making the playoffs, year five of being competitive.

 

Most of the key players on the team are under control for the next three years, that brings us out to year seven or eight, so we're about halfway through the decade already.

 

I am with you and have been on board saying that I think the true "go for it" years will be the next two seasons. For me, the biggest reason why an NLDS exit would be tough to swallow this year is the fact that our health (with the exception of Williams) is really good. The last two years, the teams were not as good, but they also weren't healthy come October. No guarantees that health lines up again in the future.

[roadcrew3]

 

I hope you're right about Morton; but the last time he went on short rest in the playoffs was Game 7 of the 2017 World Series where he pitched 4 innings allowing two hits and a walk and picking up the win.

 

I think it goes to show you the Braves aren't messing around and are going with their big game pitcher today. If Morton would lay an egg today they'll have even worse options Thursday.

 

The braves will have Fried in a potential game 5 on regular rest. Beyond Burnes the Brewers could use Woodruff for a potential game 5 as well if needed.

 

Would have to think Peralta could also be available given he only threw 50 pitches yesterday.

[jason21nl]

Facebook memories are the best. This gem popped up for me today.

 

Oct 12, 2011

Kotsay starting in cf….dumb.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Morton throwing today sort of feels like giving us a break. I have to wonder that if this is close, do we see Fried too? It would be insane to see both of them throw in a loss.

 

If we can get one back today you have to like our chances.

[NievesNoNO]

If you build your baseball fandom around winning a World Series, you're going to be disappointed the vast majority of the time. Baseball is the most "journey/process" sport there is. Without finding some joy in the Carlos Gomezes playing on sub-70-win teams, without being able to enjoy the best pitching staff in team history even if one of them goes 9-10, there's just very little fun to be had.

 

This isn't me telling anyone else how to follow the Brewers or any team, but, for me, the game is more fun as an exercise in moments, good and bad. Today, we get more moments. I'm glad for that.

 

As for the game, the Braves have been the better team, despite a few mistakes on the bases especially. This is the lowest-scoring division series in nearly 25 years with its 9 total runs. Atlanta has 7 of them. Somehow, we're still alive. I feel good about our chances today. But, whatever happens, it's a long cold winter, and time to savor whatever extra baseball we get.

 

Go Brewers.

 

Love this. It's been a process for me to get to this view. Let's face it, I'm sure everyone posting on this board has put a ton of time in following this team over the years. We all have something invested. Quite honestly, sometimes I feel guilty about it for different reasons. There will be disappointment whenever it ends, outside a WS win. As a fan, there's nothing quite like of the anticipation of an elimination game. Unfortunately the Brewers now have to win two in a row to advance but IF they can do it, would you wish it any other way? Bring it back home and win it in Milwaukee!

 

It only takes a single AB, pitch or moment to change the whole outlook of a series. So far, it's gone Atlanta's way. Morton on short rest, I honestly believe favors the Brewers. There's pressure on Atlanta to finish this out as much as there is on the Brewers to extend it.

[roadcrew3]

Has anybody seen any stats for pitchers making their second start in a series? Feel like that would be an interesting study - you would think hitters are better suited since they just saw them a few days earlier?

[Team Canada]

We need a win today just to be able to experience a Game 5 where the pitching consists of Burnes, Woodruff, Peralta, and Hader.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I would love to see everyone weigh in now on this before the game so we don't have to hear the inevitable second guessing after the fact. I'll go ahead and make my argument for starting Lauer and holding back Burnes...

 

I back Counsell 100% on this decision. Lauer is the one pitcher on the roster not named Gustave who the Braves haven't gotten a look at already this series. They also have the 2nd fewest hits in the majors against lefties. You can't win this series without winning games 4 AND 5 so why decrease your chances in game 5 by spending Burnes in game 4 on short rest. Especially when Burnes has been deployed on on LONG rest (more than 4 days) for most of the season.

 

The Braves have some damn good pitching themselves. Their decision to go the short rest route and exposing their pitchers to multiple looks by Brewers batters might be the one chance to start tilting the odds back in the Brewers favor.

 

The Brewers are potentially 9 hours away from turning 3% odds into 50%+ odds. Burning Burnes today likely wouldn't make the Brewers the favorite in game 5 as I do not like the Woodruff vs Fried matchup at all with both on 4 days rest. But I definitely like Burnes on 5 days rest vs Fried on 4.

 

How do others want to weigh in before the benefit of hindsight? Let's hear it.

[Patrick425]

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs.

 

Not seeing this as I look at his post season game logs. He's had a few bad post season outings. Most notably, 2017 ALCS game 3 and 2020 WS game 3, but neither of these appeared to be on short rest.

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mortoch02&t=p&year=0&post=1

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I don't think many are going to argue for starting Burnes. The best outcome is forcing G5 which he then can't throw in, which is basically saying we don't trust the other guy today...but hey, go get'm in Game 5. Like I said, if we had Marcum going today, it's a different story. But forcing Burnes to pitch today is just taking the luxury of how this team is constructed and making things harder on yourself.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs.

 

Not seeing this as I look at his post season game logs. He's had a few bad post season outings. Most notably, 2017 ALCS game 3 and 2020 WS game 3, but neither of these appeared to be on short rest.

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mortoch02&t=p&year=0&post=1

 

You are correct. I thought I had read somewhere that he was poor on short rest, but that obviously is wrong.

 

That said, the general track record of starters going on short rest in the postseason is a mixed bag.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

I don't think many are going to argue for starting Burnes.

 

I think you're right. I'm just trying to draw it out of people to avoid what we all know is coming if the Brewers are trailing at any point today.

[MrTPlush]

I don't think many are going to argue for starting Burnes. The best outcome is forcing G5 which he then can't throw in, which is basically saying we don't trust the other guy today...but hey, go get'm in Game 5. Like I said, if we had Marcum going today, it's a different story. But forcing Burnes to pitch today is just taking the luxury of how this team is constructed and making things harder on yourself.

 

Not to mention it then forces you to pitch Brandon Woodruff as the starter, a guy who wasn't bad, but got tagged more than any other Brewers starting to this point.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Brewers announce Lauer gets the ball today. Braves going with Morton on short rest.

 

Morton doesn't have a great track record going on short rest in the playoffs. But if he pitches well tonight, and Lauer struggles, the "should've started Burnes" chants are going to get loud. Lots of very interesting subplots in tonight's game.

 

I would love to see everyone weigh in now on this before the game so we don't have to hear the inevitable second guessing after the fact. I'll go ahead and make my argument for starting Lauer and holding back Burnes...

 

I back Counsell 100% on this decision. Lauer is the one pitcher on the roster not named Gustave who the Braves haven't gotten a look at already this series. They also have the 2nd fewest hits in the majors against lefties. You can't win this series without winning games 4 AND 5 so why decrease your chances in game 5 by spending Burnes in game 4 on short rest. Especially when Burnes has been deployed on on LONG rest (more than 4 days) for most of the season.

 

The Braves have some damn good pitching themselves. Their decision to go the short rest route and exposing their pitchers to multiple looks by Brewers batters might be the one chance to start tilting the odds back in the Brewers favor.

 

The Brewers are potentially 9 hours away from turning 3% odds into 50%+ odds. Burning Burnes today likely wouldn't make the Brewers the favorite in game 5 as I do not like the Woodruff vs Fried matchup at all with both on 4 days rest. But I definitely like Burnes on 5 days rest vs Fried on 4.

 

How do others want to weigh in before the benefit of hindsight? Let's hear it.

 

I really have nothing to add here other than "ditto". Nice work logically summing up the decision.

[folly412]

 

I would love to see everyone weigh in now on this before the game so we don't have to hear the inevitable second guessing after the fact. I'll go ahead and start...

 

Very well. I'll also opine that this is the correct decision. Burnes has started on four days rest, what, once this year? And this would be three. Lauer has been our second best pitcher in the second half, is fully rested, gives the Braves a different look and a left-hander.

 

I'm a little confused over the focus on the starting pitcher for a team that has scored two runs in 27 innings. If we lose 4-2 with Lauer giving up all the runs, I'm not going to play the "well, maybe if Burnes shuts them down we win 2-1". I'm going to blame the offense again. The offense is only off the hook, and I'll only acknowledge the decision backfiring if it's a bad/short start and we lose 9-8.

[NievesNoNO]

Agreed with not starting Burnes on short rest. It's too short sighted of a view, imo. Yes, they need to win today but if you really believe this team could win it all then to me sending Burnes to start today signals a bit of a panic and not a lot of confidence in how they got here. Stay the course. My opinion would be different if it was to close out the WS but there's just too much baseball to be played yet. Lauer has thrown the ball well. They're going to need him along the way anyway, now is the time for him to step up as well. I'm sure they'll have a quick exit plan if things get choppy early; he's earned the opportunity.

[MoreTrife]

Go Brewers. Hope this season doesn't end, I felt real good about this team.

[tmwiese55]

I also agree with this route. Of course I'd get the other too and don't think he deserves bashing for either route. But this is the route I would choose. As I think OSS has pointed out, a key here is Lauer has been good. This isn't going with Marcum type thing. I also think that logic is something overlooked in the Peralta move yesterday. You were going to Hauser who has bene extremely good not some bum, then have your normal Strick/Box/Cousins/Hader types to finish. There was a clear path to the W thee if you just get 1-2 runs

 

What I'm curious on is if since Burnes is being saved for Game 5 will Woodruff be available for 1-2 innings? Normally I would think No but they did have Peralta up the other day to pitch an inning on his side throw day (or whatever they call it) so wonder if that might be an option today.