Red Machine Head Non Dramatic Season 11
Everyone knows the reputation and lore the Big Red Machine has around baseball for their dominance of the 1970's. The 1974 team from Cincinnati may not be the best of these teams but all the major players are there and in Season 11 it was Sparky Anderson's team that took the pennant by a single game over Atlanta. The Reds did it for the most part without Joe Morgan who was limited due to numerous injuries but the likes of Pete Rose who hit .305 and Dan Driessen who hit .321 lead the charge. The 91 wins by a pennant winner are the least number of wins we have seen for a first place team thus far.
The 1999 Braves took second place and had to play games a bit differently as they leaned on their bats when injuries stymied the pitching staff. The Bravos ofthis era know what winning is all about. The 2006 Twins won 88 games and were in the mix all season even leading up to a weaker finish in September. Justin Morneau drove in 121 runs. Finally in the top four were the 1971 Orioles as Pat Dobson won 21 games and Boog Powell drove in 110 runs. The top four teams were written in stone as early as August making this season one of very little drama down the stretch.
The 1916 Robins played hard all season and did even better after their ace Rube Marquard went down. The Dodgers just couldnt win a one run game to save their lives. The 86 Astros had a nightmare in the second half of the season and never could make a run. The Astros were also nine games under .500 at the AstroDome.
As champions the 1933 Giants really disapointed but in the end it was clear this team just didnt have the talent they needed. The Giants were proud enough to keep fighting as not to finish in last place alone. Finally the 1977 Royals didnt play like a team hungry to win and allowed the most runs of anyteam. Even George Brett and his .306 average were quite underwhelming.
