That Balls Outta Here
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5 Things the Phillies must learn from the Braves’ championship season

By Gabrielle Starr

Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker hoists the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Houston Astros in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker hoists the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Houston Astros in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phillies Hector Neris
Closer Hector Neris #50 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Bullpens win games

In the new era of pitching, a starter is considered good if he can consistently go five or six innings every turn through the rotation. The Phillies didn’t have much of that, but they also had one of the worst bullpens in the history of baseball, and that’s not hyperbole.

Until the very end of the season, the Phillies led MLB for most of the year in blown saves. They tied the all-time record of 34 blown saves set by the 2004 Colorado Rockies. Thankfully, the Washington Nationals swooped in and blew 35 saves for a new MLB record.

Meanwhile, Tyler Matzek was absolutely monstrous on the postseason mound for Atlanta. Dylan Lee made his first career big-league start in the World Series, which must be an utterly terrifying way to do it. He only recorded one out, but the Braves won anyway.

The Phillies must rebuild their bullpen this offseason. With an even remotely effective Arm Barn, they are a contending team.

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