You can just pretend like you’ve been cheering for them the whole time.
So your team didn't make the playoffs and now you don't know what to do. Don't worry, friend, we've broken down the remaining playoff teams so you can pick a new club and enjoy the postseason, too!
Oakland Athletics
Record: 96-66.
Upside: The Athletics are basically the crazy little brothers of baseball. They don't take themselves too seriously, and right now they're finally out of the shadows of their big brother, the San Francisco Giants, who have won two of the past three World Series. They also play in a crummy stadium, don't have much money, and have had pretty bad luck in the playoffs for the last decade or so, despite being one of the most innovative organizations in baseball. A's fans could use a break.
Downside: Brad Pitt is not their real general manager.
Bonus: They specialize in choreographed high fives.
Getty/Gregory Shamus
Atlanta Braves
Record: 96-66.
Upside: The Braves, who rolled through a weak NL East division, have some of the most impressive athletes in the game with Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, and Jordan Schafer. Outfielder/backup catcher/pinch hitter Evan "El Oso Blanco" Gattis has the most unique backstory of any player in the game; the guy basically spent four years on a vision quest before returning to baseball, making the majors, and cracking 21 homers in his rookie year. The Braves also have the best ERA in baseball, if you're into pitching, and Kate Upton on their side.
Downside: The tomahawk chant/chop can get really old, really fast.
Bonus: Braves organist Matthew Kaminski, @bravesorganist, plays funny custom tunes for whoever is at bat.
Getty/Scott Cunningham
