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MLB Playoffs: Three storylines to follow Cincinnati Reds vs Atlanta Braves

By Josh Sempsrott

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) steps back to first against Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) on pick off attempt in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Atlanta Braves At Cincinnati Reds
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) steps back to first against Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) on pick off attempt in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Atlanta Braves At Cincinnati Reds /
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Reds' outfielder Thomas Howard checks the center field scoreboard as he walks out to his position.
Oct. 13, 1995: Reds’ outfielder Thomas Howard checks the center field scoreboard as he walks out to his position. Cincinnati Enquirer Photo By Craig Ruttle /

2. Something’s gotta give between the Reds and Braves.

Secondly, the skies will open up for one of these teams and the drought will end this week. Neither the Cincinnati Reds nor the Atlanta Braves have won a playoff series in the past decade. Atlanta’s last postseason series win came in 2001.

The Cincinnati Reds won the aforementioned 1995 National League Division Series. Nothing since. The Reds did not advance in 2010, 2012 or 2013. The fact of the matter is, one of these two teams has to advance to the NLDS to face the Chicago Cubs or Miami Marlins.

This MLB Playoffs presents the opportunity to finally let the confetti finally rain for many teams. Per Major League Baseball, this will be the 20th straight season without a repeat champion. Nine of the 16 franchises in the 2020 playoffs have not won a title in at least 20 years.

Furthermore, three of the four National League franchises in this postseason have the fourth, third and second longest streaks without a League Championship appearance. The Braves haven’t been in 18 years. The Padres went 21 years ago. The last NLCS appearance for the Reds was 24 years ago. Winning this Wild Card series can end more droughts than one for the Reds and others.

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