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Imperfect ending to imperfect dynasty
The cruel time of the season comes earlier now for the Atlanta Braves. They battle the Philadelphia Phillies this time simply to slip into a final berth in the National League playoffs. The last days of the imperfect dynasty make it seem more imperfect than ever. Do you know what I mean? Take away their World Series championship in 1995 and the Braves have been the ultimate close finishers to the ultimate no cigar. They have dominated their division -- whatever division it might have been in baseball's shifting alignments -- for a decade. Nine consecutive division titles. Eight consecutive trips to the N.L. Championship Series until last year's embarrassing sweep in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Five trips to the World Series in the 1990s. They could have, should have, might have... but ultimately don't. Their pitching rotation, falling apart piece by piece now, will be remembered as one of the best to ever take the field night after night with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz in a row. Throw in Steve Avery and Denny Neagle for a few years, too. Their position players have been a succession of stars and big-moment journeymen, names of the fall, from Chipper Jones to Andres Galarraga to Brian Jordan to Mark Lemke. Bobby Cox has sat like the coolest customer in the dugout while pitching coach Leo Mazzone has rocked back and forth, and it all has been a good, solid show. Just not good enough. That is the sad legacy of the Atlanta Braves in what seems to be their last imperfect run for the money. Leigh Montville appears regularly on CNN/Sports Illustrated. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer.
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