Alternative history (1871-2010)

[HonusCobb]

So I'm not really sure where to start. I did one of these a number of years ago under a different screen name. I resimulated every season in Major League Baseball keeping all of the rules the same except I added the amateur draft. But I guess I'll start with teams in alphabetical order.

Arizona Diamondbacks - From 1998 to 2010 they made the postseason nine times and won the World Series their first season in existence (for one championship total). In 1999 they won a Major League record 116 games. The reason the Diamondbacks were so good right from the start is because the amateur draft took place on November 1st of every season. And because of the way it worked out, that was the only rookie draft that took place before the expansion draft. Which means a lot of rookies were not protected and the Diamondbacks drafted a bunch of them in the expansion draft.

JD Drew has been "the guy" in Arizona with twice as much career VORP as the next player in Troy Glaus. Manny Ramirez played for the Dbacks in 99 and 2000 hitting .388 and .381 in consecutive seasons. The drawback there is that the most games he played in either of those seasons was 118. Their only 50+ home run guy was Delgado in 2001 when he hit 53.

Atlanta Braves - The Braves have been to the postseason 24 times and won championships six times (1905 as the Boston Beaneaters, 42 as Boston Braves, 54, 60, 61 all in Milwaukee, and 2006). Their best championship team was in 1960 when they won 104 games and had the likes of:

Willie Mays (who spent his entire career with the Braves in three different cities)
and Frank Robinson who did the same (except not in Boston).

Their top 3 players in VORP were:

1. Mays (finished with 2,941 hits - a franchise record)
2. McGriff (hit 50 or more home runs three different seasons, the only other Brave to hit over 50 was Mattingly who hit 53 in 86 - a tie with McGriff's franchise record).
3. Robinson

The all time leader in wins for the Braves was Cy Young with 400. He only played for the Braves and was a member of the 1905 championship team. Jim Bunning was second in wins with 244.

Baltimore Orioles - The Orioles went to the postseason 27 times and won a record 15. However, not all of their championships were in Baltimore.

St. Louis Brown Stockings (3) - 1871, 72, and 79
Louisville Colonels (2) - 1887, 88
St. Louis Browns (4) - 1927, 38, 51, 53 (their last season in St. Louis)
Baltimore Orioles (6) - 1964, 65, 69, 72, 86, 2002

Their best championship team was in 1888 when they won 99 games and had two 30+ game winners in Silver King (32) and Jersey Bakley (35).

Ron Santo had the highest career VORP with Baltimore and won 4 championships with the team. Despite having such a storied franchise, Santo also leads the franchise in Home runs with only 298. Some of the more modern bashers have been Mo Vaughn (hit over 40 twice), Piazza, and Braun.

Career leaders in wins include Larry Dierker (260) and Curt Simmons at 259.

Boston Red Sox - The Sox went to the postseason 22 times and won 11 championships. 1889, 90, and 95 as the Boston Americans. 1909, 11, 12, 28,44, 46, 57, and 94 as the Red Sox.

Their best championship team was in 1889 when they won 105 games. None of the names really stick out to me except for a 22 year old Hugh Duffy who had a career ending injury the next season. He would sadly never hit .440.

The face of the franchise was Stan Musial. He is first in virtually every offensive category including over 3,300 hits. Al Kaline also hit over 3,000. Musial also hit 514 home runs on his way to becoming one of the best hitters of all time. He also won 3 World Championships and 6 AL pennants.

Two players hit over 50 home runs. Adam Dunn twice and one of my favorite seasons was by a 39 year old Willie Stargell who hit 54. He had spent his whole career with the Angels until he signed as a free agent with Boston in 79. He also won the MVP that year.

Early Wynn had 101 more wins than the next Sox pitcher and won 312 of them. He was on those Musial teams that won 3 championships. Despite never being completely dominant, Jerry Koosman has the highest VORP of any Red Sox pitcher (he pitched there from 67 to 82).

Chicago Cubs - No curse here. The Cubs went to the postseason 18 times and won 6 championships (1876, 83, 1921, 25, 71, and 85). Their highest win total for any championship teams was 97 in 1925. The team included: Babe Ruth, Goose Goslin, and a 37 year old Walter Johnson. All three were on both championship teams during the 1920s.

Ruth and Dan Brouthers both hit over .400 once. Ruth at .412 and Brouthers at .409. Ruth's career average is a franchise record at .351. Only two players have had seasons where they hit 50 or more home runs. Ruth hit 50 once (a career high) and Thome hit 54 in 1995.

The Cubs have two 300 game winners. Walter Johnson at 330 and Bobby Matthews at 385. Matthews career ERA is 1.84 and Walter Johnson's is 2.49.

Both pitching and hitting awards are named after Cubs. The Bobby Matthews Award (Cy Young Award) and the George Herman Ruth Award (MVP). Mathews won five outstanding pitching awards and Ruth won the hitting award 10 times. Mathews is second in MLB wins all-time and Ruth is second in home runs. Johnson however has the franchise record in pitching VORP despite never winning an outstanding pitching award.

Chicago White Sox - On the south side, they visited the postseason 22 times and won 9 championships (1896, 1901, 03, 13, 14, 32, 55, 62, and 70).

Their record for wins in a season was 102 in 1932. They also won the World Series that year without any dominating pitchers but with Lefty Grove on the mound. Their Pythagorean record showed them winning only 91 games.

Jesse Burkett hit over .400 twice before 1900 for the Sox. Cobb has the best career average at .346. However, an injury cut Cobb's career short at the age of 27. At least he won 2 championships and three MVPs. Considering Cobb's early exit, that made Tris Speaker by far the best White Sox player of all time. He ended with 3,333 hits and was on those 1913 and 14 championships. Jake Beckley was 31 hits short of 3,000.

No player ever hit 50+ home runs with the Sox but Chilie Davis spent every year but his last on the south side and has a franchise record 394 home runs (414 total).

Frank Dwyer was the only 300 game winner for the Sox. He pitched 10 years and in the 1800s and won 317 games. He had six seasons with 30 or more wins, one with 40 wins. Rube Waddell and Lefty Grove were other dominant Sox.

Cincinnati Reds - The Reds went to the postseason 27 times and won 10 championships (1910, 20, 29, 33, 35, 37, 40, 58, 74, 2004).

The Reds won 107 games in 2002 but failed to win the championship. Their best hitters included Tino Martinez, Jermaine Dye, and Scott Rolen. Their starting staff included Pedro Martinez, Mike Mussina, and Josh Beckett. Jason Bere also had a really good year that year. Their bullpen included Jason Isringhausen, Troy Percival, Francisco Rodriguez, Brad Lidge, and Billy Wagner closing games.

Their best championship team won 97 games in 1929. The team included a 20 year old Mel Ott, a 21 year old Jimmie Foxx, George Grantham, and Al Simmons. Ott, Foxx, and Simmons were on all 5 Reds Championships from 1929 to 1940.

In addition to those three superstars, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Harmon Killebrew, and Jackie Robinson spent their whole careers in Cincinnati. Arky Vaughan was a great there too. Foxx and Ott were the only ones to reach 3,000 hits for the Reds. Foxx also hit .404, 54 home runs and drove in 181 runs in 1930. One of my favorite seasons for any hitter was 1911 with Joe Jackson. He hit .419 with the next highest player at .366. And he hit 52 doubles and 28 triples.

Now on to pitchers. Pedro Martinez has the franchise record with 271 wins (275 total). When players were leaving their teams for big money in free agency, Martinez played his whole career (except for his last season) with the Reds. In 1998 he went 24-8 with a 1.98 ERA and 312 strikeouts. In 2002 he went 27-5 with a 2.23 ERA. In the 1997 postseason he went 4-0 with a 0.49 ERA. He also won five Bobby Mathews Awards. The Reds have been one of my favorite teams in this simulation.

Cleveland Indians - The Indians have been without a doubt the saddest franchise. Since 1871 they have reached the postseason 9 times and won 2 championships (1917 and 1982). In 2000 they won 107 games with hitters like Nomar, Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, and Slammin Sammy Sosa. Their pitchers were less impressive but Bob Wickman had 40 saves.

Their best championship team was in 1917 when they won 99 games. However, their luck on the Pythagorean was +10. They would not have made it to the postseason if it were not for the luck.

When you've been a franchise since 1871, it's bad when you're best career franchise average is .319 by Nomar Garciaparra. The Indians best hitter has been Mickey Mantle (who spent his whole career in depressing Cleveland). He ended with 477 home runs. Their hits leader was Luke Appling who ended just short of 3,000. Alex Rodriguez is their only 50+ guy when he hit 52 in 2001. Rodriguez spent his first 10 years in Cleveland and they made the postseason 3 straight years at one point.

Schoolboy Rowe has been their best pitcher. He won 264 games in his career with Cleveland. He won three Bobby Mathews Awards.

Colorado Rockies - In their short history the Rockies have made the postseason twice and won the World Series once in 2009. Hitters on that team include: Lance Berkman, Joe Mauer, and Paul Konerko. Jeremy Hermida somehow led the team in Home Runs with 39.

The pitching staff included Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt (The third Philly wouldn't join until the next season in Roy Halladay). Livan Hernandez was also in the rotation with Andrew Bailey closing games.

Joe Mauer has been the best hitter on the Rockies. In 2005 he hit .387 in a full season. Hank Blalock hit 53 Home runs one season and Carlos Lee hit 52. Lee is the all-time leader with 223.

Another one of my favorite seasons was Lance Johnson's 1994. He hit .321 with 33 triples (!) and 43 stolen bases.

The franchise leader in pitcher VORP is Cliff Lee with Cory Lidle leading in wins with 88.

Detroit Tigers - The Tigers made the postseason 21 times and won 8 championships (1898, 1904, 07, 16, 36, 41, 45, and 88). Their best team was their 1945 championship team that won 109 games. The hitters included: Phil Cavaretta, Stuffy Stirnweiss, and a 42 year old Paul Waner. Their best pitchers were Dizzy Trout and Dutch Leonard.

Detroit's best career hitter was Joe Torre. He has the franchise record in VORP, had nearly 2,500 hits for Detroit, but never won a Babe Ruth award. But Cavaretta did have over 2,500 hits for the Tigers and won three Championships with the team. Torre also leads the franchise in home runs with 275 but in 1999, Jose Canseco came out of nowhere to hit 61 (with 42 at the all-star break). The only other players to hit 60 home runs or more were Mcgwire (twice) and Thome (once).

Their best long-term pitcher was Carl Hubbell. He won 260 games. Dizzy Trout was their best peak pitcher who won 3 Bobby Mathews awards. Both won 2 championships ( Hubbell in 36 and 41, and Trout in 41 and 45).

Florida Marlins - Like it's expansion buddy Colorado, the Marlins went to 2 postseasons and won one championship (2008). Their best hitters were Matt Holliday, Mike Napoli, and Will Venable who hit .341 with 29 home runs. Their best pitchers were Jair Jurrjens and Scott Baker with Ryan Franklin closing games. How did this team win?

Their best player was Chipper Jones who played from 1993 through 1999 for Florida, but Matt Holliday leads in most franchise totals (including 139 home runs).

Their career leader in wins (125) and VORP is Kevin Millwood.

Houston Astros - The Astros made the postseason 10 times and won 4 championships (1975, 89, 96, and 2001). Their best team was their 96 winner. Their best hitters were Vinny Castilla (46 HRs) and Tim Salmon (45 HRs). Their best pitcher was Randy Johnson and Jimmy Key won 20 games. Other decent starters were Valenzuela and Estes.

They had a string of hitters that hit for a high average.
Rod Carew (1967-78) - .329
Tony Gwynn (1982-87) - .337
Ichiro Suzuki (2001-06) - .345

Carew leads the franchise in Hits and VORP. Thome hit 50 HRs in 1997 (He hit 50 or over for three different teams - all in the NL Central - Cubs/Astros/Brewers). Castilla has the career mark at 315.

Mickey Lolich leads the franchise in pitcher VORP and wins with 211. Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux both made pit stops in Houston.

Kansas City Royals - The Royals went to the postseason 5 times, winning 0 championships. They had some good teams in the late 80s, reaching the postseason in 87 and 88, winning 103 and 102 games. Hitters on both of the teams included: Kirk Gibson, Kent Hrbek, and Dale Murphy. In 88 they also added Dave Winfield and Paul Molitor. Their pitchers were: Bosio, LaPoint, and Jeff Robinson. They don't seem that formidable but they pitched great those two seasons.

Their best hitter was Hrbek who spent his whole career in Kansas City, winning 4 MVP awards, (three straight 82-84). He's the franchise leader in a number of offensive categories, including 361 home runs. The only player to hit 50 or more home runs in a season was Frank Thomas, who spent his first six years as a Royal.

Their career leader in wins and pitcher VORP is Vida Blue. He won 138 games.

Los Angeles Dodgers - The Dodgers made it to the World Series a record 34 times, and won 10 championships (1873, 80, 81, 82, 84, 1906, 18, 23, 30, 91). Their championship team with the most wins was 100 in 1991. Their best hitters were Luis Gonzalez, Mark Grace, and Bo Jackson (who hit 36 home runs that year). They had a pretty good starting staff with John Smiley (25 wins and 2.00 ERA), Rasmussen, Ken Hill, Mussina, and Todd Stottlemyre.

Hank Greenberg is the franchise's best hitter (though only 7th in hits all-time. Zach Wheat had over 2,800 at 1). He led in VORP and home runs with 360. He won one MVP award, and managed to squeeze onto the Brooklyn team that won the World Series in 1930 (he had 9 at bats in 1930 and didn't return to the majors until 1933).

Los Angeles Angels - The Angels made the postseason 12 times and won one championship in 1983. The won 95 games with hitters like Leon Durham, Tim Raines, Lonnie Smith, John Wockenfuss, and pitchers like Jim Gott, Moose Haas, Mario Soto, and Matt Young.

Only one player has a career batting average of .300 or over and that happens to be Luke Scott. Willie Stargell is the franchise's best hitter. He has twice as much VORP as the next hitter (Luke Scott), over 2,500 hits, and 469 franchise home runs (561 career). Two players have hit over 50 in a single season: Ryan Howard (57 & 52) and Luke Scott (51).

Their best pitcher has been Andy Messersmith. He won over 20 games once and was selected to an all-star game. He's second in wins (180) to Sonny Siebert's 182.

Milwaukee Brewers - The Brew Crew has gone to the postseason 4 times with 0 championships. Their best team was in 1996 when they won 98 games. Their best hitters were Jim Edmonds, Mo Vaughn, and Matt Stairs. Their best pitchers were Curt Schilling (27-4), Scott Erickson, with Lee Smtih as the closer.

The Brewers had a lot of good players. They just didn't seem to keep them around for very long. Their career leader in VORP is Griffey Jr but he only played there 7 seasons. Other dominate hitters to make a stop in Milwaukee are Thome, Miguel Cabrera, and Manny Ramirez. Mitlon Bradley is the career leader in hits (just 1,200 rounded up), runs, total bases, and doubles. Vaughn is the career leader in home runs with 202. Thome Hit 60 home runs in 2003.

Jerry Ruess is the team's career leader in wins (243) and pitcher VORP. He spent 20 years in Milwaukee and one in Seattle in the Brewers expansion season as the pilots.

Minnesota Twins - Went to the postseason 22 times and won 7 championships (1886, 97, 1939, 52, 56, 90, 2000). Their best championship team was in 2000 when they won 99 games. Their hitters included Garrett Anderson, both Boone brothers, Andruw Jones, Edgar Martinez, and a 41-year-old Rickey Henderson. Their best pitchers were Nomo, Tomko, and Hoffman closing games.

Their best hitter is Hank Aaron. He has over 3,700 hits (MLB record), and 667 home runs (MLB record), and he is the only player in Major League history with over 2,000 RBIs. He hit 59 home runs in 1961 (The Twins first season in Minnesota), which was a single season record at the time. He hit 52 in 1957. His only World Championship was in 1956 when the Twins were still in D.C (He was with five pennant winners). Other players to hit 50 or more home runs were Juan Gonzalez (54 in 1996) and Norm Cash (50 in 1961). Cash also spent his whole career with the Twins franchise. Aaron was there when Cash was drafted and was there when Cash retired.

Their best pitcher is Steve Carlton. He won one Bobby Mathews award on his way to 336 wins with Minnesota (351 total). He only won 20 or more games 3 times and also managed to lose 303 games (317 total).

New York Yankees - The Yanks went to the postseason 26 times and won 7 championships (1874, 75, 85, 1919, 24, 81, 84). Their best team was in 1981 when they won 108 games on their way to the championship. Their best hitters were Mike Schmidt, Andre Dawson, and Terry Puhl. Their pitchers included Bert Blyleven, Steve Rogers, John Matlack, Goose Gossage, and Rollie Fingers closing games. Dawson, Schmidt, Blyleven, Gossage, and Rogers were on the 84 championship team as well. Additions were Alan Trammel, Steve Garvey, Doyle Alexander, and a 41-year-old Tommy John.

The Yankees have had quite a collection of hitters. Here's their top 10 in VORP
1. Rogers Hornsby
2. Willie McCovey
3. Joe DiMaggio
4. Mike Schmidt
5. Ernie Banks
6. Roger Maris
7. Kirby Puckett
8. Dick McAuliffe
9. Hanley Ramirez
10. Andre Dawson

Hornsby is clearly the best. He has over 1,000 more hits than the second Yankee. He won six outstanding hitter awards and was a part of two championships. McCovey is the franchise leader in home runs with 505.

19th century Tim Keefe is the Yankees best pitcher. He won 30 or more games five times, 4 outstanding pitcher awards, but he played for the franchise when it was located in Baltimore, not New York.

New York Mets - The Mets went to the postseason 7 times and won once (2010). But I would say their best team was in 1996 when they won 108 games with hitters like Frank Thomas, Albert Belle, Brian Giles, Scott Brosius, Bobby Higginson, and Roberto Kelly. Their pitchers were less impressive but Ben McDonald went 20-6 with a 2.78 ERA.

Their championship team included another one of my favorite seasons. After signing as a free agent in 2010, Joe Mauer hit .395 in 127 games. That season included 37 doubles and 16 home runs. Other hitters included Elvis Andrus and second baseman Alex Rodriguez. Other than their closer Heath Bell, their pitchers were not particularly impressive. This team won only 90 games in the regular season.

The Mets career leader in VORP was Dick Allen. He's the career leader in most offensive categories including 428 home runs. He spent his whole career with the Mets and won two Babe Ruth Awards.

Their best pitcher is Brad Penny. He's the leader in VORP and is second in wins (148 to Rudy May's 151). He has also won 1 Bobby Mathews Award.

Oakland Athletics - Challenging the Indians as the most depressing team of all time, the Athletics have not won a World Series since 1894 (Now that's a curse). They have been to the postseason 13 times and won 3 championships. They have won 100 games once (2009) and lost over 100 games six times.

Their 2009 team was solid with guys like Nelson Cruz, Nomar, Victor Martinez, Tim Lincecum, Cole Hamels, and John Axford. Their best championship team was from 1878 when they won 75% of their games. Cap Anson was their best hitter and Tommy Bond won 44 of their 45 games.

Three guys have hit .400 or over in the Athletic's history.
Willie Keeler - .415 - 1897
Babe Herman - .407 - 1932
Claude Ritchey - .400 - 1900

Johnny Mize is the franchises best hitter with Babe Herman not far behind. He won 3 outstanding hitter awards including a .396 average in 1939. Cap Anson is the only player with over 3,000 hits, and Yogi Berra is the career leader in home runs with 408.

Three Pitchers have outshined the rest of the A's pitchers.
- Pink Hawley
- Old Hoss Radbourn
- Don Drysdale (ironically, Koufax pitched with Drysdale on the Athletics).

Hawley is the career leader in wins with 258.

Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies have been to the postseason 14 times and won 4 championships (1902, 47, 48, 49). In fact, I think they're the only team in the simulation to win three straight championships in the 20th century.

The hitters during their dynasty were led by a young Duke Snider (at least the second two championships). Other hitters were Ken Keltner, Charlie Keller, Willard Marshall, and Whitey Lockman. Their pitchers were Hal Newhauser, Ralph Branca, Allie Reynolds, Virgil Trucks and an old and effective Bobo Newsome.

Duke Snider is the franchise's best all-time hitter. Barry Bonds could have challenged but he had a career ending injury early on. And Todd Helton could have challenged if he had stayed with the Phillies. Snider is the career leader in home runs with 462.

Christy Mathewson has the franchise record in wins (285) and almost as many losses but Bob Gibson (269) is the franchise's best pitcher. Despite some really dominant seasons and a 2.62 career ERA, Gibson never won a Bobby Mathews Award.

Pittsburgh Pirates - The other team in Pennsylvania reached the postseason 18 times and won five championships (1915, 68, 73, 87, 2003). In 1987, the Pirates won 110 games with players like: Jack Clark, Reggie Jackson (41 years old), Howard Johnson, Barry Larkin, Terry Pendleton, Bret Saberhagen, Rick Reuschel, and Bob Walk.

Sam Thompson and Ed Delahantey both hit over .400 before the turn of the century. They have two players that have hit 50 home runs or over. Albert Pujols (once) and Mark Mcgwire (4 times). Mcgwire hit 64 home runs in 1994 to break Aaron's single season record of 59. Then he hit 70 in 1997 to set the mark that stands today.

Like the Yankees, Pittsburgh has a long line of impressive hitters. Here's their top 10 in VORP.

1. Albert Pujols
2. Sam Thompson
3. Carl Yastrzemski
4. Joe Cronin
5. Ed Delahantey
6. Johnny Bench
7. Rick Monday
8. Barry Larkin
9. Ralph Kiner
10. Mark Mcgwire

Dazzy Vance is Pittsburgh's best pitcher. Leading in VORP and Wins (251). He won four outstanding pitcher awards.

San Diego Padres - The Padres went to the postseason six times and won back to back championships in 1978 and 79, and had a 107 win season in 1981. Hitters on their championship teams included George Brett, Eddie Murray, Chet Lemon, and Gene Tenace. Their best pitchers were Dennis Leonard and Tom Seaver.

George Brett is the best hitter in Padre history and Gene Tenace has the record in home runs with 289. Brett won one Babe Ruth Award and 2,017 of his 2,940 hits were in San Diego.

Roger Clemens is the best pitcher in Padre history. He won 105 (370 total) games in his first 6 seasons with San Diego including one of his two Bobby Mathews Awards. He played for 9 teams in his career and five in the postseason (One championship with the Twins in 1990).

San Francisco Giants - The Giants went to the postseason 22 times and won 11 championships (1891, 92, 93, 1900, 26, 31, 34, 50, 59, 63, 66). Their best championship team was in 1892 when they won 108 games. I don't really recognize any of their hitters but they had some pitchers that did some work.

Egyptian Healy 35-12 1.62 ERA
Kid Nichols 34-17 1.87 ERA
Crazy Schmidt 24-11 1.87 ERA

Lou Gehrig played for the New York Giants and hit .404 in 1930. He had 3,011 hits and 510 home runs. He leads most categories in giants history and was a part of two championship teams. Charlie Gehringer was also part of both of those championships. He finished 61 hits short of 3,000.

Gaylord Perry is the Giants best pitcher. He won 264 games, two Bobby Mathews Awards and was a member of the last two Giant championships.

Seattle Mariners - The Mariners went to the postseason 4 times and won the championship once in 1999. They did not make the postseason when they won 101 games in 1988.

Their 88 team (108 wins) included:
Rickey Henderson
George Bell
Brett Butler
Andres Galarraga
Greg Jeffries
Carney Lansford
Ozzie Smith
Orel Hershiser
Zane Smith
Jamie Moyer
a young Kevin Brown
& Randy Myers

Their 99 Championship team (91 wins) included:
Jeremy Burnitz
Mark Grace
Ben Grieve
Paul Konerko
Terrence Long (ROY - .364, 46 doubles, 30 home runs, best season of career)
Kevin Young
Randy Johnson
Sterling Hitchcock
Hideo Nomo
Omar Daal
a young Randy Wolf
Mike Timlin
& Billy Koch

Rickey Henderson is Seattle's best hitter with Ben Grieve being a close second. Henderson spent nine years in Seattle in the middle of his career. Their career leader in hits is Mark Grudzulielanek with over 1,200 and their leader in home runs is Ellis Burks with 177.

Kevin Brown is the franchise's best pitcher. He won 126 games with one Bobby Mathews Award.

St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals went to 14 postseasons and won five championships (1899, 1908, 22, 43, 67). Their best team was in 1908. They won 109 games. Their team in 1899 won 107. Their 1908 lineup is one of my favorites:
Honus Wagner
Sam Crawford
Fred Clarke
Nap Lajoie
& Cy Seymour

The 34-year-old Wagner hit .349/.413/.462 that season. With 42 doubles, 10 triples, and 2 home runs. Despite having guys like Lajoie, Wagner, and Ted Williams on the Cardinals, the only player to hit over .400 in a single season was Bill Lange at .403 in the 19th century. I love Wagner but Williams is by far the best Cardinal of all time. Wagner, Lajoie, and Williams all had over 3,000 hits in St. Louis. Williams hit 50 home runs once. Don Mincher hit 55 in 1964.

Williams hit 605 career home runs. He won 11 Babe Ruth Awards. And even though he didn't play during the 1943 regular season because of WWII, he somehow managed to play in the World Series in which he hit .714 with five home runs. That was his only postseason appearance.

Despite being 5th in wins (194), Sam McDowell is probably the best pitcher in Cardinals history. He won three Bobby Mathews Awards and a world championship in 67. The pitchers in front of him in wins are:
Jim Kaat - 253
Juan Marichal - 225
Burleigh Grimes - 205
Claude Passeau - 199

Tampa Bay Rays - The Rays went to the postseason five straight years from 2001-2005 winning it all in 05. In 2003 they won 107 games. Their championship team had players like: Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre, Eric Chavez, Alex Rios, Matt Stairs, Bronson Arroyo, Chris Capuano, and a bullpen of Latroy Hawkins, Eric Gagne, Bobby Jenks, and Hong Chih-Kuo. Their 107 win team had in addition to most of those players, Roy Halladay, Kerry Wood, Frank Thomas, and Aramis Ramirez playing SS.

Carlos Beltran is the franchise's best hitter. He leads in almost every offensive category including 314 home runs. He has also won two Babe Ruth Awards.

Because he pitched his whole career in Tampa, Matt Clement has had the more career value. That career includes a franchise leading 120 wins and a Bobby Mathews Award in 2001 (a 23 win season).

Texas Rangers - If the Rangers had their success before 1968, they would have a lot more championships. They have probably been the most successful team in the history of the playoffs (meaning more than two teams making the postseason). They made the postseason 20 times and won only three championships (1977, 93, 97). They won 100 games or more six times, 114 in 1977 and 4 straight years of 100 or more wins from 93 to 96.

Their 77 team included: Dan Driessen, Al Cowens, Darrell Evans, Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan, Reggie Smith, Gary Templeton, Steve Yeager, and Robin Yount! Their top three starters were impressive too: Ron Guidry (25 wins), Jim Palmer (24 wins), and Phil Niekro (38-years-old and 24 wins).

Joe Morgan is the best franchise hitter (partly because of his longevity in Texas), but the Rangers have had an impressive run of hitters like the Pirates and Yankees, only they've only been a team since 1961. Here's their top 10 in VORP:

1. Joe Morgan (played his whole career with the expansion Senators and Rangers)
2. Larry Walker (best peak seasons)
3. Jeff Bagwell (1st in home runs with 397)
4. Robin Yount
5. Darrell Evans
6. Reggie Jackson
7. Jose Reyes
8. Gary Templeton
9. Harold Baines
10. Roberto Alomar (just signed on for a few years to help make the Rangers 100 win teams)

Wow

Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays went to the postseason seven times and won two championships (1992, 95). Their 92 and 95 teams differ a little bit but still keep some of the same parts.

1992
Brady Anderson
Vince Coleman
Phil Plantier (big year)
Tim Raines
Ed Taubansee (big year)
Lou Whitaker
Todd Zeile
Bert Blyleven (41-years-old)
Mark Langston
Charlie Liebrandt (20 wins)
Rick Sutcliffe
Jeff Fassero

1995
Brady Anderson
Ken Caminiti
Andre Dawson (40-years-old)
Steve Finley
Orlando Merced
Melvin Nieves (47 home runs)
Craig Pauquette
Phil Pantier (nothing like 92)
Jorge Posada (before he was getting playing time)
Eddie Taubensee (nothing like 92)
Lou Whitaker
Erik Hansen
Mark Langston
Jamie Moyer
Jeff Fassero

Mr. Blue Jay has been sweet Lou Whitaker. He leads in almost every non-home run category (he's second to Rafael Palmiero). Over 2,700 hits and two championships. Palmiero's HR record is 285 and he hit 50 one season. Griffey arrived after the championships and got close a couple times.

Scott Sanderson is the best Jays pitcher. Sanderson pitched for the Jays from 78 through 95 (spent 96 in Boston). He won 218 games and was on both championship teams. He and Whitaker both spent a long time in Toronto in the free agent era.

Washington Nationals - The Nationals (better known as the Expos) went to the postseason 7 times and won 3 championships (Two in Montreal - 76 and 80 - and one in DC - 2007). Their best championship team was in 1980. They didn't have any big stars on their team. Only a bunch of above average players like: Al Cowens, Jim Dwyer, Jim Gantner, Johnny Grub, Rudy Law, John Mayberry, Ken Oberkfell, Lance Parish, Mike Ramsey, and their biggest name was Dave Winfield, though he didn't play particularly well. Their best pitchers were John Candaleria and Pat Zachry.

Their best player is Chipper Jones. He spent seven years with the franchise (5 in Montreal and 2 in DC). Lance Parrish is the career leader in home runs with 278. And Mark Mcgwire began his career in Montreal, hitting 50 home runs in 1987.

Johan Santana has been the best pitcher winning 146 games and a Bobby Mathews Award.

[HonusCobb]

Feel free to ask questions about specific players and teams. I can go into more detail.

One of my favorite situations to follow was at the end of the simulation. Jim Thome was creeping up the home runs charts. Here's the top 5 in home runs all-time:

1. Hank Aaron - 667
2. Babe Ruth - 654
3. Jim Thome - 651
4. Ted Williams - 605
5. Mark Mcgwire - 591

Anyways, Thome is my favorite player and I was rooting for him to catch Aaron. He looked well on his way having 612 home runs through 2007. His career has looked like this:

Chicago Cubs (1991-96) - 182 HRs
Houston Astros (1997-2000) - 169 HRs
Milwaukee Brewers (2001-04) - 175 HRs (including 60 in 2003)
Kansas City Royals (2005) - 22 HRs
Baltimore Orioles (2006-07) - 64 HRs

Then all the sudden in 2008 no one signed him! This has happened to a couple of guys in the simulation because no teams are willing to sign guys in free agency for the price that they want. But usually a player will sign at some point during the season. But Thome didn't play anywhere in 2008.

In 2009 the Red Sox signed him and I was really excited. The DH would give him plenty of at-bats to add to his total. Well he had 17 at-bats and 0 home runs! Gabby Sanchez got the at-bats at 1B and the Red Sox had 4 good outfielders with one of them getting most of the DH at-bats.

So in 2010 I had given up hope. Thome signed with the Rays and hit 39 home runs after hitting 0 home runs in two years. This put him 3 short of Babe Ruth.

And I stopped after the 2010 season because that's how far the historical sim goes. I decided not to go any further and let the game engine take over. Will Thome break Hank's all-time record? Who knows...after going from 0 for two years to 39 in one season.

[BaseballMan]

Im not sure if the latest lahman database has the 2011 stats but maybe you could back up the league and see what happens now and with the 2011 stats. Nice read though. Next one you should start a dynasty thread.

[HonusCobb]

Well if I wasn't computer illiterate I'd totally do that. But I'll just pretend that Thome broke the record and is the all-time home run king!

[HonusCobb]

Now for some pitching stats

300 Game Winners
1. Cy Young (BSN) - 400
2. Bobby Matthews (CHC) - 385
3. Roger Clemens (9 Teams) - 370
4. Steve Carlton (MIN/ATL/SD) - 351
5. Red Ruffing (PHI/NYY/SLA) - 335
6. Walter Johnson (CHC) - 330
6. Tom Seaver (5 Teams) - 330
8. Don Sutton (LAD/SD) - 329
9. Greg Maddux (5 Teams) - 325
10. Pete Alexander (NYG/BRO) - 321
11. Bert Blyleven (MIL/NYY/TOR) - 319
12. Frank Dwyer (CHW) - 317
13. Early Wynn (BOS) - 312
14. Randy Johnson (6 Teams) - 309

Oh yeah and Nolan Ryan had a career ending injury his rookie season.

[HonusCobb]

I'm going to try to attatch some images to this one.

Single-Season Home Run Records
1871 - Levi Meyerle (CIN) - 7
1879 - Charley Jones (SLA) - 8
1881 - Charlie Bennet (CHC) - 9
1882 - Dan Brouthers (CHC) - 12
1884 - Harry Stovey (PHI) - 15
1884 - Ned Williamson (CLE) - 15
1887 - Jimmy Ryan (STL) - 23
1888 - Denny Lyons (LOU) - 24
1889 - Jacko Milligan (CLE) - 30
1919 - Babe Ruth (CHC) - 39
1920 - Babe Ruth (CHC) - 49
1921 - Babe Ruth (CHC) - 49
1923 - Babe Ruth (CHC) - 49
1930 - Jimmie Foxx (CIN) - 54
1961 - Hank Aaron (MIN) - 59
1994 - Mark Mcgwire (PIT) - 64
1997 - Mark Mcgwire (PIT) - 70

[HonusCobb]

See if you can pick out the most absurd stat on the 1994 National League leaderboard. There are a few candidates.

[HonusCobb]

In 1944, the Senator's 37-year-old Paul Weintraub beat out the Red Sox 23-year-old Stan Musial for the George Herman Ruth Award. Weintraub had missed the previous 5 seasons (39-43) before the 1944 go around due to WWII. This is one of the feel good stories of the simulation.

Musial hit 46 doubles, 26 triples, 17 home runs and .383 while leading the Red Sox to a world championship. Weintraub hit 33 doubles, 10 triples, 34 home runs, and .364 helping the Senators finish a game back of Boston in the American League.

[CT Wolverine]

Thanks, I enjoyed this very much. How often did you do a Recalc, or did you just let players evolve without Recalc? Any other settings that were different from defaults?

[HonusCobb]

The player ratings were recalculated every year. Potential ratings were based on remaining years of career. Mostly everything else was default. The only things I messed with was changing the market size when it seemed off. I also added fictionaly crappy players when teams didn't have enough players on their teams. This happened the most early in the simulation.

I'm glad you liked it! I wish people would send me on some research missions though. Any favorite players that you're curious about?

[RonP]

No players that I wanted to ask about so much-just wanted to commend you for taking the time to present all that data and comment on it. It was very interesting.
Ron

[RonP]

And say, which was the most absurd stat on the 1994 leaderboard? How long did this take, by the way?

[HonusCobb]

Thanks! It didn't take that long. Maybe a couple weeks never sitting down at the computer longer than an hour.

But take a look at the triples on the 94 leaderboard.

[HonusCobb]

In real life, Lance Johnson did lead the league in triples 5 times, but the highest total he ever had was 21.

[thehef]

Steve Garvey, Koufax & Drysdale, Fernando, Piazza, Greg Brock, Davey Lopes... Fred Lynn, Yaz, Rice... Thanks

Did you have players retire according to history?

[HonusCobb]

Originally Posted by thehef

Steve Garvey, Koufax & Drysdale, Fernando, Piazza, Greg Brock, Davey Lopes... Fred Lynn, Yaz, Rice... Thanks

Did you have players retire according to history?

Finally! Some research. I assume by Fernando you mean Valenzuela and not Fernando Tatis? I'll do three at a time so I can send some images.

[HonusCobb]

Oh and yes is the answer to your question.

[HonusCobb]

Steve Garvey

Garvey was drafted 21st overall in the 1969 offseason by the Dodgers. He played 69 through 1980 with the Dodgers. 81 and 82 with the Phillies, 83 with Atlanta, 84 through 86 with the Yankees, and 87 with Baltimore.

He was elected to the All-Star game 4 times and had a career line of .289/.322/.439. With over 1,000 runs, 2,500 hits, and 275 home runs. His best season was 1977 with 67.3 VORP, 6.9 WAR, 204 hits, 30 doubles, 31 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a slash line of .320/.352/.525. He was on two teams that made the World Series. He was on a losing effort in 1972 with the Dodgers and a winning effort in 1984 with the Yankees.

He's 10th in career games played for the Dodgers.
8th in hits with 1,912
7th in total bases
7th in doubles
5th in home runs with 222
and 6th in RBIs

Sandy Koufax

Koufax pitched from 1955 to 1966 for the Kansas City Athletics. He was the first selection overall in the draft. He won 4 Bobby Mathews Awards (61, 62, 63, 65) and was selected to play in the All-Star game six times.

He went 162-120 with a 2.79 ERA. His best season was in 1963 when he went 27-9 with a 1.96 ERA and 311 strikeouts. His career high was 346 strikeouts in 1965. He struck out 16 batters in a game twice.

Despite playing with Drysdale, the Athletics never made the postseason. Their best team was in 1961 when they won 98 games. Unfortunately the Minnesota Twins won 103 and Hank Aaron broke the single season home run record with 59. Also on that 61 Athletics team was an old Yogi Berra and a young Billy Williams, both of whom had good seasons.

In Athletics history Koufax is
9th in wins
10th in games pitched
9th in games started
5th in shutouts
1st in strikeouts (2,643)
2nd in strikeouts/9 innings (9.2 - Lincecum is 9.5 with not nearly as many innings pitched)
6th in WHIP
4th in VORP



Don Drysdale

Drysdale was the first overall selection in the draft the year after Koufax. He won one gold glove award. Spent his whole career with the Athletics (56 through 59), and his last two seasons in Oakland.

In Athletics history Drysdale is
3rd in wins
8th in games pitched
1st in games started
7th in complete games
1st in shutouts
2nd in strikeouts (2,512)
9th in WHIP
3rd in VORP


He went 206-171 with a 3.08 ERA. He has over 20 wins twice. His highest WAR (7.3) was actually in 1968 when he went 11-14 with a 2.71 ERA.

[HonusCobb]

Fernando Valenzuela

Valenzuela was the first overall pick by the Oakland Ahtletics in the 1980 draft. He played from 1980 to 1991 with the A's. 1993 with Montreal, 94 through 96 with Houston, and 1997 with the Yankees.

He went 210-185 with a 3.72 ERA. He won 20 or more games twice, one Bobby Mathews Award, and was selected for the all-star game 4 times. His best season was his rookie season when he went 15-7 with a 2.11 ERA. He won the Bobby Mathews Award in 1986 when he went 20-8 with a 2.59 ERA.

He made it to won World Series with the Houston Astros in 1996. He was used in relief in that postseason, throwing 5 innings without giving up a run.

For the Athletics he is
7th in wins (176)
6th in games started
2nd in shutouts (despite not being in the top ten for complete games)
3rd in strikeouts (2,213)
and 10th in VORP

Mike Piazza

Piazza was the second overall pick by the Orioles in 1992. He played for:
Baltimore - 1992-1997
Anaheim - 1998-2004
Yankees - 2005-2007

He was selected to the all-star game 9 times and has a career line of .304/.365/.531 with over 2,300 hits and 445 home runs. His best season was in 1996 when he hit .335/.388/.566 with 35 home runs and 122 RBIs.

He played in the postseason 5 times with all three teams hitting .303/.349/.516. He only went to the World Series once when the Angels lost to the Astros in 2001. In that postseason he hit .321 with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs.

For the Orioles he's
7th in batting average
2nd in slugging percentage
10th in VORP
and 6th in home runs (186)

For the Angels he's
7th in batting average
4th in slugging percentage
8th in VORP
9th in hits (1,033)
9th in total bases
7th in doubles
6th in home runs (200)
and 5th in RBIs

At the position of catcher, Piazza is the career leader in 4 offensive categories:
Slugging Percentage - .531
VORP - 693.4
HRs - 445
RBIs - 1,469

Greg Brock

Brock was the 39th overall pick by Cincinnati in the 1982 draft. He spent 1982 through 1988 in Cincinnati. 89 and 90 with Pittsburgh, and 1991 with the Angels.

His career line is .266/.350/.424 with 118 home runs. His best season was in 1987 when he hit .307/.385/.473 with 34 doubles and 14 home runs. His best power season was in 84 when he hit 31 home runs. He made the postseason twice and the World Series once in 1990 with the Pittsburgh Pirates but they lost to the Twins.

The Reds leaderboards are stacked and Brock wasn't able to crack any of them.

[HonusCobb]

Sorry...that wasn't the right Piazza image that I wanted to send.