GTOAT - Greatest Team of All Time Tournament

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

After this series is complete we will be 75% of the way through the marathon first round.

4) 1953 New York Yankees vs. 13) 1993 Toronto Blue Jays

1953 New York Yankees:
4 Seed – Region 1
Record: 99-52
Result: Won World Series 4-2 over Brooklyn Dodgers
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking / reputation)
Elo Rank: 29
Key Players:
Mickey Mantle (OF) .295, 21 hr, 92 rbi, 105 r
Yogi Berra (C) .296, 27 hr, 108 rbi
Whitey Ford (SP) 18-6, 3.00 era

Notes:
The 1953 Yankees capped off the greatest run in World Series history with their 5th straight title, and 6 out of 7. The team didn’t have statistical standouts in this individual season (though Mantle did put up 5.8 WAR in only 127 games) but were loaded from top to bottom with outstanding depth, including 5 hall of famers and 7 all-star selections.
The Yankees bullpen was a big strength, with Allie Reynolds and Johnny Sain combining for 334 IP, much of it in relief.

Further reading:
https://startspreadingthenews.blog/s...pt-8-1949-1953



1993 Toronto Blue Jays:
13 Seed – Region 1
Record: 95-67
Result: Won World Series 4-2 over Philadelphia Phillies
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (reputation)
Elo Rank: 239
Key Players:
John Olerud (1B) .363, 24 hr, 107 rbi, 109 r
Paul Molitor (DH) .332, 22 hr, 111 rbi, 121 r
Roberto Alomar (2B) .326, 17 hr, 93 rbi, 109 r, 55 sb

Notes:
This team on reputation is often recognized as the best Blue Jays team ever. They won the World Series two straight years and this one in dramatic fashion with Joe Carter’s famous walk-off HR off Mitch Williams to end the series. But the research shows the 2015 Blue Jays was actually quite definitively better. This team gets in on reputation alone.
Olerud led the league in AVG, OBP, OPS and Doubles.
Team featured 7 all stars and the 2nd and 3rd finishers in the MVP voting.

Further reading:
http://bluejayhunter.com/2020/04/whi...2-or-1993.html

https://jaysjournal.com/2017/12/30/b...arn-1993-team/

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RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

5) 1989 Oakland A’s vs. 12) 1998 Houston Astros

Its not often we start a series by talking about the closers but here we legitimately have two of the best ever in Eckersley and Wagner. Looking further, both of these teams are very deep on offense, and have good staffs as well. This has the feel of a later round matchup, and they tells me maybe the Astros were under-seeded a bit?? We’ll find out.

In game 1 Randy Johnson and Dave Stewart really went at it for awhile and the game was 1-0 Houston late. Two in the 7th, one in the 8th, and three in the 9th broke it open for Houston and they went on to claim a 7-0 game 1 win. Derek Bell had three RBIs while Oakland had three total hits. The Big Unit wound up with the complete game shutout and ten Ks.

Oakland’s bats were still asleep in game 2. McGwire did get ahold of one, but at 6-0 down and it was only a sold shot. Shane Reynolds went the complete game for Houston in the eventual 6-2 win. Bagwell had two RBIs for Houston in this one.

Oakland sent Bob Welch to the mound to salvage their hopes in game 3 and Houston got two off him in the first. It stayed that way until a five-run 6th led by back to back doubles for Canseco and McGwire. Welch would give up another in the 8th but hand over a 5-3 lead to Dennis Eckersley who nailed it shut. Houston now leads the series 2-1.

Oakland tied it up in game 4 with two four-run innings leading in an 8-3 win. Storm Davis went seven innings in the win, giving up only five hits while notching two of his own. Carney Lansford had four hits in the game. With Randy Johnson looming in game 5 you have to imagine Oakland viewed this as a must-win.

Johnson was his usual dominant self in game 5. He and Dave Stewart dueled through eight with a Jeff Bagwell solo HR in the 2nd the only run either gave up. With Oakland trailing 1-0 in the 9th they finally touched Johnson for the first time in 17+ innings this series. Dave Henderson’s solo HR was enough to extend the game to the 10th, where Carney Lansford’s solo shot was the winner. The A’s have now won three straight and after being two outs away from down 3-2 they now are up by that count and heading home.

Another well pitched game by the starters Reynolds and Mike Moore saw a 1-1 game into the 9th and when Billy Wagner induced a double play ball from Steinbach to escape the inning we moved to extras. Eckersley pitched his 2nd perfect inning and then in the bottom of the 10th Rickey Henderson walked off Wagner, stole both 2nd and 3rd, and scored on the series-winning, walk-off, sac fly from Lansford. The A’s win four straight after a horrendous start to move on.

So in the end the series outcome was determined somewhat by the closers. Eckersley had two wins and a save without a run, while Wagner took the loss in both games 5 and 6. Series MVP was Carney Lansford who hit .462.

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

4) 1953 New York Yankees vs. 13) 1993 Toronto Blue Jays

Whitey Ford got the start against Juan Guzman in game 1. Ford was spectacular, giving up two baserunners in seven shutout innings. The Yankees offense was led by Yogi Berra’s two homeruns and four RBIs. New York takes an anti-climatic opener against their future division rivals, 9-0.

Game 2 picked up where game 1 left off, with balls flying out of the yard for the Bronx Bombers. With six in the 2nd and two more the next innings, the Yankees were up 8-0 and chased Pat Hentgen from the game. But Toronto would fight back with a huge five-run inning of their own in the 4th, and then one more in each of the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. With the score now 9-8 New York, Ed Sprague and Pat Borders, the bottom of the Blue Jays lineup, would each hit three-run homers in the 8th to take a 14-9 lead. New York would pull to within 14-12 before Duane Ward closed it out and tied the series. The pitchers are going to have to try to forget game 2 happened.

The series shifted to the sky dome and the DH, and this got Paul Molitor’s bat into the lineup. With two out in the bottom of the 5th he would break a tied game with a 2-run single. Todd Stottlemyre outdueled Vic Rashi, only giving up two solo HRs to Gene Woodling, and the Jays would win 6-2.

New York evened the series in game 4 with a 7-1 victory behind six strong innings from starter Jim McDonald and three Mickey Mantle RBIs.

Whitey Ford returned to the mound in game 5 and was absolutely blitzed off the mound by the 2nd inning to the tune of eight earned runs. Toronto would build a 9-0 lead before New York showed any life and life they showed. A seven-run 6th and six-run 7th gave them the lead for good. Three different Yankees had four RBIs or more, with Hank Bauer raising his average to .565 for the series and Gene Woodling and Yogi Berra both reaching four HRs for the series. Ed Sprague was the man in a loss for Toronto, with 6 RBIs. Man the pitchers are having a rough go of it.

And just as I say that game 6 is a pitchers duel. Stottlemyre pitched great again but his mistake to Mickey Mantle in the first led to the game’s first run. Yankee’s starter Vic Rashi had all he needed as he only gave up one run, a Roberto Alomar HR in the 9th to make it scary, but the Yankees hold on for a 2-1 win and a 4-2 series victory.

One of my favorite players, Rickey Henderson, was making his 3rd appearance in the tournament (That’s gotta be the most??) but he was very quite and sadly was eliminated for the 2nd time. Gene Woodling gets the series MVP with with a .409 average, 4 HRs, and 10 RBIs. He had 10 HRs all 1953.

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 4:

We are down to our last eight series' of the first round. Region 4 will be first to finish.

3) 2001 Seattle Mariners vs. 14) 1965 Minnesota Twins


2001 Seattle Mariners:
3 Seed – Region 4
Record: 116-46
Result: Lost ALCS 4-1 to New York Yankees
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Mariners team ever)
Elo Rank: 34
Key Players:
Bret Boone (2B) .331, 37 hr, 141 rbi, 118 r
Ichiro Suzuki (OF) .350, 127 r, 56 sb
Freddy Garcia (SP) 18-6, 3.05 era, 1.12 whip, 135 ERA+

Notes:
An extraordinarily balanced team with a good staff, great bullpen, and solid offense with more than a couple bench contributors. After setting the record for wins that was only 3 years old, they bowed out way too easily in the ALCS. Still a loaded team that will get another chance to prove they belong among the best ever.

Further reading:
https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/...that-never-won

https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/20...attle-mariners

https://fansided.com/2017/04/06/2001...gotten-legacy/


1965 Minnesota Twins:
14 Seed – Region 4
Record: 102-60
Result: Lost World Series 4-3 to Los Angeles Dodgers
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Twins team ever)
Elo Rank: 233
Key Players:
Zoilo Versalles (SS) .273, 19 hr, 77 rbi, 126 r, 27 sb, 7.7 WAR
Tony Oliva (OF) .321, 16 hr, 98 rbi, 107 r, 141 OPS+
Harmon Killebrew (3B) .269, 25 hr, 75 rbi, 78 r, 145 OPS+ (only 113 games)
Jim Kaat (SP) 18-11, 2.83 era, 1.24 whip, 126 era+

Notes:
Only 1 HOF on this team (and missed a large chunk of the season) and a low objective ranking as well. They find their way in as the best Twins team ever, ranking significantly better than even the lovable 1991 champs.
Recruiting from Cuba was a big part of the building of the franchise in the early 60’s, and two of them will carry the offense in Versalles and Oliva while a third, Pascual, is expected to be a strong #4 in the rotation.

Further reading:
https://sabr.org/journal/article/a-s...he-late-1960s/

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 4:

Region 4's final first round match-up is here.

6) 1929 Philadelphia A's vs. 11) 1978 New York Yankees

1929 Philadelphia A’s:
6 Seed – Region 4
Record: 104-46
Result: Won World Series 4-1 over Chicago Cubs
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking)
Elo Rank: 14
Key Players:
Al Simmons (OF) .365, 34 hr, 157 rbi, 114 r, 1.040 ops, 159 OPS+
Jimmie Foxx (1B) .354, 33 hr, 118 rbi, 123 r, 1.088 ops, 173 OPS+
Lefty Grove (SP) 20-6, 2.81 era, 1.30 whip, 149 ERA+

Notes:
1929 was the first of two straight WS titles and three straight AL pennants. Five hall of famers dot the roster of a very high ranking team. After researching, I just couldn’t reconcile their makeup with their results, and thus the relatively low seeding. Will they prove me wrong?

Further reading:
https://vault.si.com/vault/1996/08/1...-heard-of-them

https://rnishi.wordpress.com/categor...iladelphia-as/



1978 New York Yankees:
11 Seed – Region 4
Record: 100-63
Result: Won World Series 4-2 over Los Angeles Dodgers
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (reputation)
Elo Rank: 103
Key Players:
Reggie Jackson (OF) .274, 27 hr, 97 rbi, 82 r, 136 OPS+
Ron Guidry (SP) 25-3, 1.74 era, 0.94 whip, 16 cg in 35 gs, 208 ERA+

Notes:
The Bronx Zoo had one of the biggest individual pitching seasons in our tourney, one of the biggest mouths in Reggie, an epic comeback to win the division, the Bucky Dent HR in game 163, and a 2nd straight world series title, their last for 18 years.
Guidry is likely going to have to win two in each series for this team to advance.

Further reading:
https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/09/19/14...8-pennant-race

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...w-york-yankees

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 4:

3) 2001 Seattle Mariners vs. 14) 1965 Minnesota Twins

Possibly the name of the tournament, Mudcat Grant, gets the nod for the underdogs in game 1 and he would be welcomed to Seattle rather rudely. Al Martin hit a 3-run homer in the 3rd and Edgar Martinez a 2-run shot the next inning. Freddy Garcia would cruise through seven, and then Martin would hit another three-run bomb for a huge game and a 9-2 victory.

The script in game 2 was reversed, as Jim Kaat dominated Seattle, allowing just three hits through six innings. Aging hall of famer Harmon Killebrew took Aaron Sele deep in the first and Minnesota didn’t look back from there. The final score was 7-1 for the Twins and the series moves to Metropolitan Stadium a one apiece.

Game 3 stayed true to form as a quite boring series is shaping up. Once again a team scored early and often, with Seattle’s Bret Boone knocking in two in the first with a double and Mike Cameron homering in the 5th. Seattle starter Jamie Moyer would combine with the bullpen to limit Minnesota to one run on six hits and Seattle wins 8-2. Jim Perry disappointed his home crowd by struggling through only five innings.

Game 4 finally produced a game with at least a bit of drama. Minnesota scored in the 1st and 3rd while Seattle scored in the 2nd and 4th. Harmon Killebrew drew a bases loaded walk and the Twins chased starter Paul Abbott a couple hits later with a four-run 5th to take a 6-2 lead. Seattle would nick a run in the 9th but the game would end 6-3 and the series is tied at two. Mudcat Grant came back on short rest and got the win.

Game 5 produced the best of the series by far. With the Mariners leading 2-1 in the bottom of the 6th, Zoilo Versalles and Jimmie Hall each had bases clearing doubles for a six-run frame and a 7-2 lead. But Seattle would strike back with two in the 8th and three in the 9th to tie it up! Al Worthington was the culprit in blowing the save for Minnesota. In the bottom of the 10th though, Zoilo Versalles would cap off the great game with a run scoring single vs. Arthur Rhodes, and the great Mariners team remembered mostly for not winning it all are on the bring of another major disappointment.

The good news for the Mariners is they are returning home and getting DH Edgar Martinez’s bat back in the lineup. Jim Kaat will throw for Minnesota and it will be up to Aaron Sele to save the Mariners. Both pitched very well with the game seeing 13 total hits. The biggest was in the 6th inning with the game tied at one, when Zoilo Versalles sent a solo shot out of the park. The Mariners would threaten in the 8th, but then look who came out of the pen to close it out….Mudcat Grant! Minnesota would hold on for a 3-1 win and eliminate another pre-tournament favorite. The Twins left only three on base while Seattle stranded thirteen, and that was the difference in this one.

Tony Oliva batted .478 and was on base over half the time, but he only drove in a couple runs. The MVP will have to go to Zoilo Versalles who hit .321 with 1 HR and 3 RBIs but a number of big hits. Unheralded member of the Mariners Al Martin had a great series in a losing cause at .304 with 2 HRs and 10 RBIs.

[tavo2311]

Originally Posted by bpbrooksy

W o o f. My Twins get one representative in the tournament, and who do we draw but the 116-win Mariners. Well, hopefully history can repeat itself and we can upset Seattle. Excited to find out!

Your boys did it!

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 4:

6) 1929 Philadelphia A’s vs. 11) 1978 New York Yankees

Lefty Grove was great in game 1, scattering eight hits and walking none in a 5-2 win. 25-game winner Ron Guidry struck out eight batters through five, but was tripped up twice, by Jimmie Foxx in the 1st and Mickey Cochrane in the 4th.

The Yankees must have gotten an earful from the Boss after losing game 1 and they responded in a big way with an 11-3 win to even the series. No one wanted to go back to the Bronx down two as it really would’ve been a zoo. It was the bottom of the order that did the big damage in a six-run 2nd inning, with Lou Pinella, Chris Chambliss, and Bucky Dent each driving in two off Rube Walberg. Philly will look to shake this one off as they hit the road.

Game 3’s stars were Al Simmons and Jimmie Foxx who abused New York pitching by getting on base a combined six times and driving in eight. Yankee starter Dick Tidrow was chased in the 1st and Philly didn’t let up after that in an 11-2 pounding to retake the series lead.

Game 4 starter Catfish Hunter couldn’t get out of the 4th, giving up three homeruns. The Yankees would push across to make the game as close as 5-2 at one point, but Jimmy Dykes, DH’ing in the 1978 AL park, put the game out of reach with a 3-run shot in the 7th. The A’s put the Yankees on the brink by a final of 8-3.

Yankees ace Guidry looks to atone for his game 1 performance but instead gives up a 2-run 1st inning double to Mickey Cochrane. Lefty Grove struck out nine through 6.1 shutout, and the A’s bullpen would hold the lead at 4-1 to close out the game and the series.

The main difference in the series were the two aces, with Grove going 2-0, 1.35 era, 16 Ks and 0 walks over 13.1 innings, and Guidry going 0-2 with a 6.30 era. Grove was rightfully given the MVP. The A’s team that many thought were massively under-seeded has started to make their case on the field by impressively setting aside their first opponent. The bracket has really opened up for them too, with Region 4’s higher seeds getting decimated in round 1.

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

6) 1942 Brooklyn Dodgers vs. 11) 2002 Anaheim Angels

1942 Brooklyn Dodgers:
6 Seed – Region 1
Record: 104-50
Result: 2nd place in the NL, 2 games behind St. Louis
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking)
Elo Rank: 47
Key Players:
Pee Wee Reese (SS) Led team with 6.1 WAR
Dolph Camilli (1B) 144 OPS+
Curt Davis (SP) 15-6, 2.36 era, 1.11 whip

Notes:
Not a very star studded team. Four hall of famers on the roster but Arky Vaughan and Billy Herman were just above league average by this late point in their careers.
This team ranked well in ELO but also got in as somewhat of a wild card. The 40’s were going to be under-represented and without wanting to put too many Yankees or Cardinals teams in (11 of the top 14 teams in the 1940’s were Cards or Yanks), this Dodgers team got a chance. Somewhat of a controversially high seeding given their lack of championship and star power.

Further reading:
https://seamheads.com/blog/2008/04/1...-1942-dodgers/



2002 Anaheim Angels:
11 Seed – Region 1
Record: 99-63
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over San Francisco Giants
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Angels team ever)
Elo Rank: 81
Key Players:
Darin Erstad (OF) Led team with 6.3 WAR, .283, 73 rbi, 99 r, 23 sb
Troy Glaus (3B) .25, 30 hrs, 111 rbi, 99 r
Garrett Anderson (OF) .306, 29 hr, 123 rbi, 93 r
Jarrod Washburn (SP) 18-6, 3.15 era, 1.17 whip

Notes:
Offense was well balanced. 7 of the 9 regulars were above league average in OPS, and Darin Erstad who was not was the team leader in WAR.
John Lackey was a good rookie addition who contributed down the stretch with 108 IP.
This Angels team did not even win their division, finishing 4 games behind another entry in this tournament the Oakland As. This earned them the task of ending the Yankees’ streak of AL titles at 4 in the first round.

Further reading:
https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xp...618-story.html

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

And the final series in region 1 will bring one of the pre-tournament favorites into play.

3) New York Mets vs. 14) 2005 Chicago White Sox

1986 New York Mets:
3 Seed – Region 1
Record: 108-54
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over Boston Red Sox
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Mets team ever)
Elo Rank: 62
Key Players:
Keith Hernandez (1B) .310, 13 hr, 83 rbi, 94 r
Darryl Strawberry (OF) .259, 27 hr, 93 rbi, 28 sb
Gary Carter (C) 24 hr, 105 rbi, 81 r
Dwight Gooden (SP) 17-6, 2.84 era, 1.10 whip, 200Ks
Ron Darling (SP) 15-6, 2.81 era, 1.10 whip

Notes:
This Mets team was one of those that were ranked much higher in people’s subjective lists than by metrics. They had a colorful cast of characters and their postseason series’ vs. the Astros and then the Red Sox was one of the most memorable ever. These factors have led to their being remembered as likely better than they were. That being said, I over-seeded them according to the metrics as I also remember this season fondly.
The team was very balanced. The pitching staff ranked in the NL’s top 3 in runs, hits, Ks, walks, HRs, and complete games thrown. The batters led the league in runs, AVG, OBP, and OPS.

Further reading:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-he...seball-history

https://lastwordonbaseball.com/2020/...new-york-mets/



2005 Chicago White Sox:
14 Seed – Region 1
Record: 99-63
Result: Won World Series 4-0 over Houston Astros
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (reputation)
Elo Rank: 220
Key Players:
Paul Konerko (1B) .283, 40 hr, 100 rbi, 98 r
Mark Buerhle (SP) 16-8, 3.12 era, 1.18 whip
Jon Garland (SP) 18-10, 3.50 era, 1.17 whip,

Notes:
Rotation anchored this team with 4 starters throwing 200+ innings with 116 ERA+ or better. Bullpen was also pretty great. Offense ranked only 9th in AL in runs scored.
Won the first World Series in Chicago since 1917 White Sox team who are also in this tournament.
Fantastic postseason run, going 11-1.

Further reading:
https://www.mlb.com/news/white-sox-d...un/c-155562852

http://www.thesportsfanjournal.com/s...eres-the-love/

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:


6) 1942 Brooklyn Dodgers vs. 11) 2002 Anaheim Angels

Kirby Higbe and Ramon Ortiz are the opening game starters in Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field and both got through the first third of the game without a baserunner. What a start! But the Angels were able to break out in the 4th capped by a Bengie Molina 3-run shot. The Dodgers would attempt to pull back into it with a couple runs off Brendan Donnelly in the bottom of the 8th, but Troy Percival would shut things down and hold the 5-4 win to grab homefield in the series.

In game 2, Jarrod Washburn and Whit Wyatt would both have their flashes but exchanged the lead a few times to arrive at a 4-4 game in the 6th. It would stay that way until the top of the 14th when Tim Salmon launched a two-run shot. Percival had already gone two innings earlier in the game, so Scot Shields came on to close game 2 and send the series to the West Coast with the Dodgers in dire trouble.

Rookie sensation John Lackey was awesome in game 3, giving up only a run through seven. But Curt Davis did him one better going eight shutout innings and took a 1-0 lead to the 9th. That’s when Les Webber came in from the Brooklyn bullpen and served up a two-run homer to Tim Salmon who walked it off with his second straight game-winning HR. The Dodgers are on the verge of being swept and we clearly have a front runner for the series MVP if things don’t change.

In game 4 Brooklyn got to Kevin Appier for four early runs and the game threatened to get away from Anaheim when, who else, Tim Salmon hit his third homerun of the series to cut the lead to 4-2. The score stayed unchanged until the bottom of the 9th, when Anaheim would end the series in dramatic fashion, walking off for the second straight night. This time David Eckstein hit a 2-run triple to tie it up and then Darin Erstad’s sacrifice fly ended it 5-4.

The Angels made quick work of their future So Cal rivals and we have yet another lower seeded team moving on. For a series sweep this was actually very close. Total runs were 18-13 over four games, three one-run games, and two pitches on consecutive nights away from a 2-2 series instead of 4-0. The Dodgers best hitters, Reese, Vahan, Medwick all hit under .200. I’ll give everyone a guess on the Series MVP…. Tim Salmon went .313/.421/.938 with 3 HRs and 6 RBIs.

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 1:

3) 1986 New York Mets vs. 14) 2005 Chicago White Sox

Dwight Gooden and Mark Buehrle both pitched well and into the 9th inning of game one. The score was tied 2-2 when AJ Pierzynski hit a one out run scoring single to take a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the 9th the Mets would get the tying run to 2nd base but Dustin Hermanson would relieve Buehrle and pitch out of the jam for a massive upset in game 1.

Game 2 was more to the Mets’ liking. Ron Darling helped his own cause with two RBIs in the 2nd inning and after Darryl Strawberry’s bomb in the 3rd the Mets were up 4-0. Freddy Garcia would avoid further damage while getting through the 7th, but Darling was masterful for the full nine innings, giving up 6 baserunners and striking out 9 for the 5-0 shutout win to even the series.

The series shifted to Chicago for game 3 and for the third straight game the Mets would have their starter pitch into the 9th inning. Bob Ojeda this time, after giving up a first inning run, would finish the game with six hits against and no more runs. Jon Garland was not as good on the other side, getting chased by seven runs in four innings, and the bullpen was not much better. The Mets stroked 17 hits in the 11-1 win with eight different players driving in a run.

In game 4 the White Sox would score in the first inning for the second straight night to take an early 1-0 lead. After New York tied it up in the 6th, Jose Contreras really ran into trouble in the 7th. Mookie Wilson hit a 3-run HR and the Mets plated five in the inning for a 6-1 lead. Do the Mets even have a bullpen!? Another starter sees the 9th, Sid Fernandez throwing a 136 pitch complete game, and with a 7-2 final the Amazins are on the brink of a round two berth.

In game 5 the Mets would get solo homeruns from Gary Carter in the 1st and Kevin Mitchell in the 4th. Eventually up 3-1 in the 8th Dwight Gooden would serve up a solo shot to Joe Crede to make things nervous. But Roger McDowell would relieve Doc to close it out with a 1-2-3 9th, and a 4-1 series win.

Kevin Mitchell takes the MVP with a .500 average, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, and 4 runs. Though I feel the Mets' starting rotation could share the MVP award. They finished the 8th inning in all five games, and gave up a total of 10 runs. They pitched 43.1 innings of the 45 inning series and New York only used one arm out of the bullpen with Roger McDowell's 1.2 IP!

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 3:

Two regions have completed the first round and two to go. Region 3 finishes up with these next two series'

2) 1998 New York Yankees vs. 15) 1972 Oakland A's


1998 New York Yankees:
2 Seed – Region 3
Record: 114-48
Result: Won World Series 4-0 over San Diego Padres
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking and reputation)
Elo Rank: 5
Key Players:
Derek Jeter (SS) .324, 19 hr, 84 rbi, 127 r, 30 sb, 7.5 WAR
Bernie Williams (OF) .339, 26 hr, 97 rbi, 101 r, 15 sb
David Wells (SP) 18-4, 3.49 era, 1.04 whip, 8 cg, 127 ERA+
David Cone (SP) 20-7, 3.55 era, 1.18 whip, 209 k

Notes:
This team is an interesting one. Widely recognized as one of, if not the, best team ever. 114 wins, and another World Series Sweep. This was truly a complete and balanced team. Four hall of famers, though one of them was the manager and one a 38-year-old bench player. “Only” five all stars. No one legitimately close to the MVP or Cy Young. But are they too balanced for this type of tourney with short series after short series? They almost met their match in the ALCS, dropping 2 games. They have an amazing staff top to bottom, but their best pitchers were barely 25% above league average. Their depth was ideal to carry them over 162 games but they may face a spot where someone needs to carry them here.

Further reading:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...best-team-ever



1972 Oakland A’s:
15 Seed - Region 3
Record: 93-62
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over Cincinnati Reds
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (Reputation)
Elo Rank: 251
Key Players:
Reggie Jackson (OF) .265, 25 hr, 75 rbi, 72 r, 149 OPS+
Joe Rudi (OF) .305, 19 hr, 75 rbi, 94 r, 151 OPS+
Catfish Hunter (SP) 21-7, 2.04 era, 0.91 whip, 16 cg, 140 ERA+
Rollie Fingers (RP) 11-9, 21 sv, 2.51 era, 1.05 whip

Notes:
Balanced staff, underwhelming offense. This team showed up on a number of searches of subjective lists, but ranks quite low on the ELO list. So they’re allowed in, but they’re rewarded with a 15 seed and an almost certain immediate departure.

Further reading:
https://whitecleatbeat.com/2015/10/0...-forget-first/

https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015...rst-time-ever/

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 3:

7) 2011 Philadelphia Phillies vs. 10) 1933 Washington Senators


2011 Philadelphia Phillies:
7 Seed – Region 3
Record: 102-60
Result: Lost NLDS 3-2 to St. Louis Cardinals
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Phillies team ever)
Elo Rank: 76
Key Players:
Roy Halladay (SP) 19-6, 2.35 era, 1.04 whip, 8 CG in 32 GS, 220 Ks, 163 ERA+
Cliff Lee (SP) 17-8, 2.40 era, 1.02 whip, 6 CG in 32 GS, 238 Ks, 160 ERA+
Cole Hamels (SP) 14-9, 2.79 era, 0.98 whip

Notes:
This team did not win the World Series, and didn’t even come close with a 1st round exit. But they beat out the 2008 championship team pretty easily for the best ever Phillies. With a rotation of Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt, they can beat anyone. Even their 5th starter Vance Worley had a 127 ERA+ in 21 starts. These guys may be drastically under-seeded actually and may prove to be a good dark horse in region 1.
The offense comparatively was lacking, though Hunter Pence only played 54 games after his midseason arrival, and Chase Utley 103 due to injury.

Further reading:
https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelph...lphia-phillies

https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/20...s-oswalt-oh-my



1933 Washington Senators:
10 Seed – Region 3
Record: 99-53
Result: Lost World Series 4-1 to New York Giants
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best Senators team ever)
Elo Rank: 74
Key Players:
Joe Cronin (SS) .309, 118 rbi, 89 r, 7.1 WAR
General Crowder (SP) 24-15, 3.97 era, 17 cg and 10 games finished

Notes:
The 3rd and final World Series appearance for this franchise. While they didn’t take home the prize and are not often mentioned as a great team, they rank quite high in objective measures and boast 4 hall of famers.
The staff has good depth but no stars. Can that be a winning formula in a tournament of greats? Doubtful, but they were well respected with a decent seed and they’ll get a chance to move on at least once.

Further reading:
http://seamheads.com/blog/2012/07/29...eresting-team/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...-world-series/

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 3:


2) 1998 New York Yankees vs. 15) 1972 Oakland A’s

Definitely one of the pre-tourney favorites, the 1998 Yankees will send postseason stud Andy Pettitte to the mound against Catfish Hunter in game 1. The Yankees would push across runs in the first and second but future Yankee Reggie Jackson’s two-run double in the 4th would tie it 2-2. Pettitte would give up two more the next inning and suddenly Oakland was on the verge of the upset. They sent Rollie Fingers in to save it in the 9th, and Jorge Posada launched a game-tying 2-run shot off him. The Bronx was still in a frenzy when Mariano Rivera came out for his third inning of work in the 12th. But the crowd was quieted when light hitting Don Mincher took Mo deep, and the A’s added a 2nd run in the inning. Rollie Fingers started his 4th inning of work and set the Yankees down in order to put the blown save behind him and get the win in a classic series opener.

David Wells gets the ball in game 2 and gave up a 1st inning run to Sal Bando’s double. Each team would score in multiple early innings, and in the bottom of the 4th Chad Curtis stroked a 2-run homer off Ken Holtzman that gave the Yankees a 5-3 lead. Wells was having a difficult time with Bando today, as he got another run scoring double in the 7th. When the next batter reached base Joe Torre controversially elected to leave David Wells in as he was only at 84 pitches. But his 85th was a 2-run go ahead shot by Reggie Jackson and the Yankees trailed 6-5. The Yankees would not threaten from there and find themselves down 2-0 while heading to Oakland. They will also lose the DH as 1972 was the last year the AL did not have it.

David Cone opposed another candidate for tournament’s best name, Blue Moon Odom. Both pitched well and the game was 2-2 into the 8th. It was then that Derek Jeter showed his legendary clutch hitting for the first time in the series with a 2-run triple for a 4-2 lead. He would have another RBI in a three-run 9th inning and with the breathing room the Yankees allowed Cone to finish the game. The Yankees are down 2-1 in the series but Mariano is now rested and should be available in the next two.

Game 4’s starters are ‘El Duque’ Orlando Hernandez and Vida Blue. Both of these pitching rotations had really nice depth! Blue only allowed four hits in six innings but did walk five. The Yankees couldn’t find the clutch hit though, stranding 17 baserunners in the game. Oakland left fielder Joe Rudi is having himself a series, and had the key hit in the 5th inning tonight. With Oakland leading 2-1 he drove in two with a single for a 4-1 lead. It would end 5-2 with Rollie Fingers going two innings for the save. The 114-win Yankees are on the brink of a massive upset.

The Yankees sent Pettitte to the mound to save them but you have to figure it’s all hands on deck. How early, and for how long, might we see Mo tonight? When Mike Epstein took Pettitte deep in the 2nd for a 1-0 lead the bullpen already started to stir. But Pettitte would shut the A’s down from there, allowing one run through 7.1 innings. Scott Brosius drove in the first two Yankee runs in the 5th, and the Yankees would eventually carry a 5-1 lead into the 9th. Mariano had relieved Pettitte the previous inning for two outs, and was attempting the five out save. He ran into major trouble, walking Bando to load the bases and giving up a two-run single to Reggie Jackson for a 5-4 game. With the tying run on 3rd he was able to strike out two in a row to nail down the nerve wracking save and keep the Yankees alive. Its back to the Bronx….

In game 6 David Wells followed the same script as game 2. Got through much of the game relatively unscathed only giving up a run. But in the 7th he ran into trouble and Joe Torre again elected to leave him in there. He would give up four runs in the frame, two ribbies each for Rudi and Jackson, and the Yankees were down 5-0. They would go down 6-0 the next inning, and pushing across a couple runs in the bottom of the 8th would not be enough. Ken Holtzman went 7.2 and would give way to the pen to put out the fire. The Yankees went 1-2-3 in the 9th and another favorite is eliminated!

Joe Rudi gets the MVP award, hitting .372 with 2 HRs and 9 RBIs.

[quillenl]

Ahh Yankees...

Reggie Jackson giveth,,, and Reggie Jackson taketh away.

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 3:


7) 2011 Philadelphia Phillies vs. 10) 1933 Washington Senators

With the 1998 Yankees being upset earlier today this series takes on added importance. One of these teams will be the favorite on paper in the next round.

Game 1 sees yet another classic name, at least to a military guy like myself, in SP General Crowder. He will be opposed by future hall of famer Roy Halladay. Crowder would be spotted quite the cushion with Luke Sewell’s 2nd inning triple driving in three. The Senators would add another for an early 4-0 lead. The General would go 7.2 innings only giving up six hits and a lone run in the 5th. Chase Utley did chase him from the game with a two-run double to pull within one in the 8th though. Jack Russell was summoned from the Washington pen for the four out save and give the Senators the series lead.

Game 2 would be a pitching duel between Cliff Lee and Earl Whitehill. The game went all the way to the 8th at 1-1 when Lee ran into trouble. Luke Sewell again started the rally with an RBI double, and by the end of the frame three runs were in. Jack Russell would come on for the save for the second straight night and the series will go to our nation’s capital with the underdogs up a pair. The deeper into the Phillies’ rotation we go the more the advantage should swing to them so there’s no reason to panic….yet.

And now there is! Lefty Cole Hamels was not good, and “Lefty” Stewart certainly was. The Senators cruised to an 8-1 win to push Philly to the brink of being swept away. Heinie Manush and Goose Goslin each took Hamels deep in the dominating win. Still, maybe its recency bias, I still don’t think its out of the realm of possibility for Oswalt, Halladay, Lee, and Hamels to win four straight.

Game 4 was finally looking up for the Phils early with Chase Utley homering in the first. By the time Ryan Howard drove in a couple in the 5th the Phillies were back up 3-2. But Roy Oswalt would implode in the bottom of the 5th giving up six runs, capped by Joe Cronin’s 3-run shot. Washington was now leading 8-3 and would go on to the sweep with an 8-4 final.

I honestly thought this Phillies team had a chance as an under the radar team that could advance pretty deep. They have to be bitterly disappointed. Maybe I made the wrong choice after all, admitting these guys over the 2008 World Series winners. Joe Cronin hit .438, slugged .938, drove in five and scored five to take the MVP honors.

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 2:

The final two series' of the first round are here. We have the 2nd Senators entrants and the M&M boys of "61" fame first up.

3) 1961 New York Yankees vs. 14) 1924 Washington Senators


1961 New York Yankees:
3 Seed – Region 2
Record: 109-53
Result: Won World Series 4-1 over Cincinnati Reds
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking and reputation)
Elo Rank: 41
Key Players:
Roger Maris (OF) .269, 61 hr, 141 rbi, 132 r
Mickey Mantle (OF) .317, 54 hr, 128 rbi, 131 r, 206 OPS+, 10.4 WAR
Whitey Ford (SP) 25-4, 3.21 era, 1.18 whip
Luis Arroyo (RP) 15-5, 29 sv, 2.19 era, 1.10 whip

Notes:
Wide recognized as one of the best teams ever based on reputation, though a but low ranking with modern metrics. No doubt though a joy to watch on offense. Maris and Mantle famously raced to 61 HRs (and both may have made it if Mantle wasn’t hampered by injuries all year). Maris easily won the MVP (2nd straight) and Mantle was 2nd. Between the two of them they led the AL in HRs, RBIs, Runs, Walks, SLG, and Total Bases. This team even had depth-bashing with a 21 hr-hitting C/OF in Johnny Blanchard.
Typical of some other Yankees teams in this contest this 1961 team was also ahead of their time with strong bullpen usage. Arroyo and Jim Coates combined for 260 IP mostly in relief, and most key members of the rotation also had key relief appearances.
Only three hall of famers (Maris is not in) but 8 all-stars in 1961.

Further reading:
https://lastwordonbaseball.com/2020/...-york-yankees/

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ston-howard-61



1924 Washington Senators:
14 Seed – Region 2
Record:
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over New York Giants
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (Wildcard – Key Player Walter Johnson)
Elo Rank: 312
Key Players:
Walter Johnson (SP) 23-7, 2.72 era, 1.11 whip, 20 CGs, 6 shutouts, 149 ERA+
Goose Goslin (OF) .344, 12 hr, 129 rbi, 100 r, 143 OPS+

Notes:
Decidedly average team gets in as a key player wildcard so that we can see Walter Johnson pitch. The 1925 team was probably better overall, but in 1924 they actually won their first and only World Series, and Johnson was the MVP of the AL. Four hall of famers appear on this squad, but there’s just not much sexy about them. Will be interesting to see how far the Big Train can carry them.

Further reading:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...4-world-series

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/02/u...anagement.html

https://www.federalbaseball.com/2017...-series-defeat

[tavo2311]

SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 2:

6) 2016 Chicago Cubs vs. 11) 2011 Texas Rangers


2016 Chicago Cubs:
6 Seed – Region 2
Record: 103-58
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over Cleveland Indians
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (Wildcard - storyline)
Elo Rank: n/a (ELO was only through 2015 season)
Key Players:
Kris Bryant (3B) .292, 39 hr, 102 rbi, 121 r, 146 OPS+
Anthony Rizzo (1B) .292, 32 hr, 109 rbi, 94 r, 143 OPS+
Jon Lester (SP) 19-5, 2.44 era, 1.01 whip, 171 ERA+
Kyle Hendricks (SP) 16-8, 2.13 era, 0.97 whip, 196 ERA+

Notes:
This team was quite good and I’m confident would rank high enough on the ELO list to get them in on merit. But since the ELO list I used was through 2015 I had to just grant these guys a bid based on their amazing story of FINALLY ending the curse of 108 years and in the most dramatic fashion. They were a quite likable team too.
Their top 4 SPs were all at least 25% better than league average and they had the 2nd, 3rd, and 9th place finishers in the Cy Young. The late addition of Aroldis Chapman makes the bullpen better in a short series than their season long stats indicate. The arms will carry this team as far as it will go.

Further reading:
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/w...bs-were-built/

https://www.nationalreview.com/corne...eball-history/




2011 Texas Rangers:
11 Seed – Region 2
Record: 96-66
Result: Lost World Series 4-3 to St. Louis Cardinals
Entry to Tournament: Automatic bid (Best ever Rangers team)
Elo Rank: 141
Key Players:
Ian Kinsler (2B) .255, 32 hr, 77 rbi, 121 r, 30 sb
Adrian Beltre (3B) .296, 32 hr, 105 rbi, 131 OPS+
CJ Wilson (SP) 16-7, 2.94 era, 1.18 whip, 206 k, 150 ERA+

Notes:
The 2nd team from the 2011 season makes their appearance (and neither won the World Series) with this team representing as the best ever Rangers. These guys actually rank quite respectably in ELO and could be dangerous.
On a personal note, looking past his recent off the field actions for a minute I was very happy to see Josh Hamilton get his chance here. I always loved watching him and thought he was as close to the Natural as we would ever see in real life. The show he put on at old Yankee Stadium for the HR Derby in 2008 remains a highlight of my baseball watching.

Further reading:
https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2020/4/...-texas-rangers

https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/st...chowski-111027

[tavo2311]

RESULTS: ROUND 1 - REGION 2:

Sorry for the stall there, brutal week at work. But we resume with the final two games of the first round...

3) 1961 New York Yankees vs. 14) 1925 Washington Senators


One of the pre-tournament favorites will try to avoid being the latest in a recent string of upsets. While the 14-seed Senators will try to make it 2-for-2 into the second round for the rather unaccomplished franchise. Game 1 features a hall of fame dream pitching matchup with Whitey Ford vs. Walter Johnson. The Big Train will try to get through the MnM boys and all their big hitting friends. Should be fascinating to see…

The pitchers did not disappoint as both cruised into the 8th. The Senators would take the lead on a solo shot by Earl McNeely to chase Ford from the game. Walter Johnson finished the 8th by inducing a double play ball with two on base. Washington would add a very important insurance run in the top of the 9th. The Yankees had their famous middle of the order coming up in the 9th, and Mickey Mantle would give them hope by swatting a solo shot, but the game ended 2-1 with no further threat. Washington leads 1-0.

Game 2 was also a shutout for awhile, today into the 7th, this time the duel was between Stan Covaleski and Bill Stafford. Again the Senators would strike first with a solo run, but New York would respond in a big way in the bottom of the 7th, with the bottom of the lineup coming up big. Moose Skowron and Clete Boyer each hitting two-run doubles led to a 5-run 5th and the game ended that way, 5-1, to tie the series.

The series shifted to the nation’s capital and for the first time we had early runs. Hall of famers Mickey Mantle and Goose Goslin each drove in a run in the 1st and the game went 1-1 into the 7th when third baseman Ossie Bluege stroked a two-run double for a 3-1 lead. The powerful Yankees would only register four hits and the game ended 5-1 for a crucial Senators win.
 
Each team’s fourth starter came up big in game 4, going 7 innings and combining for one run. That one run was given up by Yankee starter Rollie Sheldon in the 6th inning. That was enough for Senator’s starter Tom Zachary as the game headed to the 9th and reliever Firpo Marberry came on. This time the Yankees lineup got it done. Roger Maris tied the game with a home run and Yogi Berra also knocked his own out of the park for a 2-1 come from behind lead! Relief ace Luis Arroyo came on to close it out for New York and tie the series, but wait! Goose Goslin and Roger Peckinpaugh each drove in runs for their own 9th inning comeback and a walk-off win!! The ’61 Yankees are on the brink down 3-1, on the road, and facing Walter Johnson.

For the 2nd time this series the Big Train and Whitey Ford did not disappoint. Johnson gave up one hit through seven, at one point striking out six straight Yankees. Ford only went five but only left early because the Yankees had a rare baserunner during his at bat in the top of the 6th. It would amount to nothing, and the game would go to the 9th at 1-0 with Vean Gregg on to shut down New York and close the series out. After a Kubek single, Maris hit by pitch, and Mantle walk, the bases were loaded with no outs. Berra hit a fly ball to center but not deep enough to tag, Skworon struck out, and Elston Howard meekly grounded to 2nd base. The Senators win the series!

Walter Johnson, the sole reason this team is in the tournament, held up his end of the bargain and rightfully won the MVP going 2-0, with 0 earned runs, 18 Ks, 4 hits, and 2 walks across 15 innings. He single handedly neutralized the Yankee’s own hall of fame ace Whitey Ford, twice. New York couldn’t find their bats this series, and not just against Johnson. In five games they had a total of 26 hits and 9 runs, and outside of their game 2 victory it was 15 hits and 4 runs in 4 games. Just not good enough for a team known for their prodigious power.