Chris Emma

But it was really an abrupt ending because I really think they thought they had a chance.

I think advancing after the NLDS was really their biggest issue, especially when it came to pitching.

And obviously, in the offseason, Jed Hoyer has really addressed that.

So I think at spring training, that loss still lingered with the team.

I mean, you talked to, like, a Carson Kelly, Kate Horton, too, like –

They obviously didn't forget about it.

And I think the big thing I took away was them using that disappointment and really turning it into motivation going into this season.

And like Craig Council, I talked to him one-on-one and he just said how this is a really tough team to get on.

Obviously, you've got a veteran group, them bringing in Alex Bregman.

I think them having that postseason experience as well.

One, they got a taste as to what that's like.

And for a young player like PCA, right?

I think obviously for him going into this year, consistency, how can he be the player that he was in before the All-Star break?

But they got a taste of it.

So they're hungry for more.

And I think from Council's perspective, too, he saw how this group really bonded together when they obviously went on that run and were winning.

But at the same time, like they really want to make it back there.

And as you said on our show on CST Sunday a few weeks ago, like it's NLCS or bust here.

And I feel like when you look at the like the NL Central team.

This is the year for them to do it right to really dethrone the Brewers here.