SCALPED!!

Finally, after 14 years, the Braves reign as the kings of their division has ended. It seems the Baseball Gods have tired of the Braves traditional October swoon and will be giving someone else a chance to represent the NL East. A team (the Mets) that actually has a chance of making it past the Division Series, something the Braves have done just once in their last 6 appearances. A team (the Mets) that can win the NL pennant, something the Braves have not done at all this century. A team (the Mets) that can perhaps even win the World Series, something the Braves have done only once since their run began. In contrast, the New York Yankees, who have their own run of 8 Division titles (9 if you include this year), have won 3 World Championships, and can rightfully claim to be the dominant team of the last 10 years. Hell, even the Florida Marlins, in the Braves own division, have won 2 Championships since the Braves last title in 1995.

Yes, its obvious to say the Braves have not done much with their admittedly-impressive run. One red flag amidst a sea of yellow flags highlighting missed opportunities. How will history treat the Braves? Will they be regarded any more than the Buffalo Bills of Major League Baseball? Probably, but not much more. As for now, there is a new sheriff in town atop the NL East, and as the slogan says, "The Team. The Time. The Mets."