Season 5
National League Division 1
1. 1913 Chicago Cubs
Record: 88-65
Finish: 3rd in NL
Manager: Johhny Evers
Ball park: West Side Grounds
WAR Leader: Heinie Zimmerman (4.6)
Johhny Evers managed and played a central role on the field for this club. Heinie Zimmerman drove in 95 runs while Vic Saier hit an impressive 14 home runs. Chicago pitching as always was very consistent.
2. 2012 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 88-74
Finish: Lost in NLCS
Manager: Mike Matheny
Ball park: Busch Stadium
WAR Leader: Yadier Molina (7.2)
Post LaRussa and Pujols this Cardinals club still made a deep run for the pennant. Yadier Molina was great all around including as a leader while Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn paced the rotation. The Cards will surely battle the Cubs on even terms for the division.
3. 1922 Washington Senators
Record: 69-85
Finish: 6th in AL
Manager: Clyde Millan
Ball park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: Walter Johnson (5.4)
The Big Train was slowing down a bit at 34 but still struck out 105 batters. Goose Goslin and Sam Rice are also stars on this offense but to see the Senators compete here would be a major surprise.
4. 2016 San Diego Padres
Record: 68-94
Finish: 5th in NL West
Manager: Andy Green
Ball Park: Petco Park
WAR Leader: Will Myers (3.5)
Aging Matt Kemp and injury prone Will Myers had the Padres chasing most games in 2016. Fernando Rodney was a good closer for them but the starting rotation was a real merry go around.