The Battle for Supremacy

[hfield007]

Finally, the time is upon us. I have gotten my new computer, which means running more than one application at a time is now possible without constant freezing and I can finally do the dynasty threads I had always wanted to.

The first being this. Forum member Nick Soulis is all the inspiration of this idea and love what he has done in his own thread The Excellence Project. Urge anyone to check it out.


The concept:

256 of the greatest MLB teams from 1901-2013 battle it out for supremacy.

The execution:
The 256 teams needed to be chosen. The picking of teams was done by Pythagorean W/L%, also was the choice to avoid too many double teams. So when a year was chose, the 4 preceding and 4 after were not allowed to appear as well (Meaning the 1998 and 2001 Yankees both couldn't appear).

Each team is represented at least once.

The 256 teams were placed into 32 leagues of 8, which were seeded.

4 teams move on from Round 1 cutting the field to 16 brackets with 128 teams in Round 2.

The #1 bracket combines with the #32 bracket in Round 2 and so on.

Round 3 will be 64 teams in 8 brackets.

Round 4 will be 32 teams in 4 brackets.

The final round will be a two league season, 16 teams in each league (2 divisions of 8).
Division winners and 2 wild cards per league enter a post season. All series are best of nine until the championship series.



I will use OOTP 15 to run this. Each league will have a monthly report and a final wrap up.

-Leagues will run 154 game schedules.
-Injuries will be limited to 15 days no matter what the injury to a player.
-In case of a tie at the cut off point of a league, the teams will face each other in a 3 game series.

[hfield007]

Bracket #1

#1 1906 Chicago Cubs


Record: 116-36
Manager: Frank Chance
Ballpark: West Side Grounds
Season Result: Lost World Series, 2-4, Chicago White Sox

Key Players:
Johnny Kling, C
Frank Chance, 1B
Johnny Evers, 2B
Harry Steinfeldt, 3B
Joe Tinker, SS
Frank Schulte, OF
Jimmy Sheckard, OF

Mordecai Brown, P
Jack Pfiester, P
Ed Reulbach, P



#2 1979 Baltimore Orioles


Record: 102-57
Manager: Earl Weaver
Ballpark: Memorial Stadium
Season Result: Lost World Series, 3-4, Pittsburgh Pirates

Key Players:
Eddie Murray, 1B
Gary Roenicke, LF
Ken Singleton, RF

Mike Flanagan, P
Dennis Martinez, P



#3 2013 Boston Red Sox


Record: 97-65
Manager: John Farrell
Ballpark: Fenway Park
Season Result: Won World Series, 4-2, St. Louis Cardinals

Key Players:
Mike Napoli, C
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Stephen Drew, SS
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
David Ortiz, DH

Clay Buchholz, P
Koji Uehara, P
Jon Lester, P



#4 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates


Record: 98-64
Manager: Chuck Tanner
Ballpark: Three Rivers Stadium
Season Result: Won World Series, 4-3, Baltimore Orioles

Key Players:
Phil Garner, 2B
Dave Parker, RF

John Candelaria, P
Bert Blyleven, P
Kent Tekulve, P



#5 1926 St. Louis Cardinals


Record: 89-65
Manager: Rogers Hornsby
Ballpark: Sportsman's Park
Season Result: Won World Series, 4-3, New York Yankees

Key Players:
Bob O'Farrell, C
Jim Bottomley, 1B
Rogers Hornsby, 2B
Les Bell, 3B
Ray Blades, LF



#6 1904 New York Highlanders


Record: 92-59
Manager: Clark Griffith
Ballpark: Hilltop Park
Season Result: 2nd in American League

Key Players:
Jimmy Williams, 2B
Wid Conroy, 3B
Kid Elberfeld, SS
Willie Keeler, OF
John Anderson, OF

Jack Chesbro, P



#7 1981 Oakland Athletics


Record: 64-45
Manager: Billy Martin
Ballpark: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Season Result: Lost AL Championship Series, 0-3, New York Yankees

Key Players:
Rickey Henderson, LF
Dwayne Murphy, CF
Tony Armas, RF

Steve McCatty, P



#8 1989 San Diego Padres


Record: 89-73
Manager: Jack McKeon
Ballpark: Jack Murphy Stadium
Season Result: 2nd in NL West

Key Players:
Jack Clark, 1B
Roberto Alomar, 2B

Bruce Hurst, P
Ed Whitson, P
Mark Davis, P
Greg Harris, P

[hfield007]

May 01, Round 1, Bracket #1



The #1 seed 1906 Chicago Cubs have been absolutely dominant for the most part.
The 2013 Red Sox started hot but have hit a skid the past couple weeks.
The 1926 Cardinals are the #5 seed but are absolutely horrid with Rogers Hornsby missing two weeks.





Players of the Week
04/11 - Gary Roenicke, OF, Bal1979
04/18 - Shane Victorino, OF, Bos2013
04/25 - Tony Armas, OF, Oak1981

04/20 - Steve McCatty, Oakland1981, pitches no-hitter against Chicago Cubs 1906. (2 BB, 5 K)

Batter of the Month
Frank Chance, 1B, Chicago Cubs 1906
.370, 5 HR, 17 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Jack Chesbro, RH, New York Highlanders 1904
4-1, 1.47 ERA, 26 K

[hfield007]

June 01, Round 1, Bracket #1



Both Pittsburgh and Boston has strong months, the Cubs slipped with several injuries
The 1926 champions, St. Louis Cardinals, continue to be an enigma in the cellar





Players of the Week
05/02 - Gary Roenicke, OF, Bal1979
05/09 - Rickey Henderson, OF, Oak1981
05/16 - Bip Roberts, SS, Sdp1989
05/23 - Stephen Drew, SS, Bos2013
05/30 - Wayne Gross, 3B, Oak1981

05/20 - Luis Salazar, San Diego 1989, hits 3 homeruns against New York Highlanders 1904. (3 / 4, 4 RBI)

Batter of the Month
David Ortiz, 1B, Boston Red Sox 2013
.300, 4 HR, 25 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Bruce Kison, RH, Pittsburgh Pirates 1979
5-2, 0.94 ERA, 35 K

[hfield007]

July 01, Round 1, Bracket #1



#8 seed San Diego Padres 1989 are making a surprising challenge to entering Round 2. More than halfway through the season and the Padres are 1.0 game back despite being the lowest of all 256 seeds in the battle.
The Orioles fell off hard this month, however 4 games separate 2nd and 6th place.





Players of the Week
06/06 - Barney Wolfe, SP, Nya1904
06/13 - Roberto Alomar, 2B, Sdp1989
06/20 - Les Bell, 3B, Stl1926
06/27 - Roberto Alomar, 2B, Sdp1989 (2)

06/20 - John Kruk, San Diego 1989, hits for the cycle against Chicago Cubs 1906. (4 / 5, 3 RBI)

Batter of the Month
Les Bell, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals 1926
.330, 6 HR, 22 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Matt Keough, RH, Oakland Athletics 1981
3-0, 1.91 ERA, 23 K

[hfield007]

August 01, Round 1, Bracket #1



Pittsburgh has a stranglehold and should easily pass through to the second round.
The miracle Padres have lost ground and need another miracle run.
The #2 seed Orioles have been horrid. It's unlikely they will compete unless Oakland falls apart.





Players of the Week
07/04 - Fred Beebe, RH, Chc1906
07/11 - Harry Steinfeldt, 3B, Chc1906
07/18 - Ken Singleton, OF, Bal1979
07/25 - Patsy Dougherty, OF, Nya1904
08/01 - Ken Singleton, OF, Bal1979 (2)

07/31 - Ken Singleton, Baltimore 1979, hits 3 homeruns against St. Louis Cardinals 1926. (3 / 5, 4 RBI)

Batter of the Month
Ken Singleton, RF, Baltimore Orioles 1979
.319, 13 HR, 28 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Bill Sherdel, LH, St. Louis Cardinals 1926
5-0, 2.25 ERA, 26 K

[hfield007]

September 14, Round 1, Bracket #1

FINAL STANDINGS







Players of the Week

08/08 - Frank Schulte, OF, Chc1906
08/15 - David Ortiz, 1B, Bos2013
08/22 - Gary Roenicke, OF, Bal1979 (3)
08/29 - Mike Heath, C, Oak1981
09/05 - Jose Iglesias, 3B, Bos2013
09/12 - Billy Southworth, OF, Stl1926

Batter of the Month
Shane Victorino, OF, Boston Red Sox 2013
.393. 3 HR, 20 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Mordecai Brown, RH, Chicago Cubs 1906


Most Valuable Player


Frank Chance, 1B, Chicago Cubs 1906
.335 / .441 / .515, 15 HR, 79 RBI, 7.1 War, 42 SB, +4.4 ZR

2nd. Harry Steinfeldt, 3B, Chicago Cubs 1906
3rd, Gary Roenicke, OF, Baltimore Orioles 1979
4th, John Milner, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates 1979
5th, David Ortiz, 1B, Boston Red Sox 2013


Cy Young Award


Mordecai Brown, RH, Chicago Cubs 1906
19-7, 2.32 ERA, 252.1 IP, 166 K, 74 BB, 7.6 War

2nd, Bert Blyleven, RH, Pittsburgh Pirates 1979
3rd, Fred Beebe, RH, Chicago Cubs 1906
4th, Mike Flanagan, LH, Baltimore Orioles 1979
5th, Jack Pfiester, LH, Chicago Cubs 1906


Gold Glove Team
P, Bruce Hurst, 1989 San Diego Padres
C, Mike Napoli, 2013 Boston Red Sox
1B, Eddie Murray, 1979 Baltimore Orioles
2B, Johnny Evers, 1906 Chicago Cubs
3B, Wid Conroy, 1904 New York Highlanders
SS, Joe Tinker, 1906 Chicago Cubs
LF, Rickey Henderson, 1981 Oakland Athletics
CF, Jimmy Slagle, 1906 Chicago Cubs
RF, Tony Armas, 1981 Oakland Athletics


All-Star Team

C, Mike Napoli, 2013 Boston Red Sox
1B, Frank Chance, 1906 Chicago Cubs
2B, Roberto Alomar, 1989 San Diego Padres
3B, Harry Steinfeldt, 1906 Chicago Cubs
SS, Bip Roberts, 1989 San Diego Padres
LF, John Milner, 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates
CF, Dwayne Murphy, 1981 Oakland Athletics
RF, Dave Parker, 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates
U, Gary Roenicke, 1979 Baltimore Orioles

SP, Mordecai Brown, 1906 Chicago Cubs
SP, Mike Flanagan, 1979 Baltimore Orioles
SP, Jack Pfiester, 1906 Chicago Cubs
SP, Jack Chesbro, 1904 New York Highlanders
RP, Tippy Martinez, 1979 Baltimore Orioles
RP, Koji Uehara, 2013 Boston Red Sox


TEAM WRAP UPS

#4 Pittsburgh Pirates 1979 - The Pirates mashed 144 home runs and stole 122 bags providing easily the best combination of power and speed in the league. Bruce Kison and Bert Blyleven spearheaded a solid staff that got a huge season from its fifth starter, John Candelaria. They finished three spots ahead of their seed and look to be dangerous entering round 2.

#1 Chicago Cubs 1906 - The top seed in the tournament failed to win its league in round 1, but they finished great down the stretch and shrugged off the mid season blues. This team was all about getting on base and using defense to secure its leads. They led in runs, avg and obp which helped to get to big leads their 8th place bullpen couldn't even blow. The bullpen is going to be a large concern entering round 2.

#7 Oakland Athletics 1981 - The team no one expected to be here. Led by its dominant trio of outfielders: Henderson, Armas and Murphy. The team was last in runs despite being only surpassed by Pittsburgh in long balls with 137. The pitching was dominant, front to back. Langford, Keough and Underwood ate up batters and the first place bullpen was untouchable delivering a 2.66 ERA.

#3, Boston Red Sox 2013 - They finished 7.0 games ahead of being eliminated and thus there was no race to watch at the end of the season. The Red Sox carry Mike Napoli and David Ortiz to the next round who were a large part of this offense. All of Boston's struggles were in pitching where they had no true dominant starter but were even all the way through the staff. Someone will need to step up in round 2.

#8 San Diego Padres 1989 - The last seed in the tournament barely was eliminated, finishing one spot out. Rookie Andy Benes combined with Bruce Hurst and Tony Gwynn to power this team all year.

#2 Baltimore Orioles 1979 - Amazing to see a top notch seed already gone. The Orioles failed to score all season and finished 7th in OBP despite stars like Gary Roenicke, Eddie Murray, Ken Singleton and Al Bumbry.

#6 New York Highlanders 1904 - Jack Chesbro may have been the only reason this team stuck around as long as they did. The pitching was bad and somehow managed to avoid finishing last. Willie Keeler and Patsy Dougherty were the lone bright spots batting.

#5 St. Louis Cardinals 1926 - A team that managed to win the world series from the Yankees somehow finishes in last. A team with Pete Alexander and Rogers Hornsby somehow couldn't find a way. Pitching was a nightmare, and the offense never clicked.

[hfield007]

And now on to bracket #32. This is the bracket that will combine with bracket #1 in Round 2.


Bracket #32

#1 1935 Detroit Tigers


Record: 93-58
Manager: Mickey Cochrane
Ballpark: Navin Field
Season Result: Won World Series, 4-2, Chicago Cubs

Key Players:
Mickey Cochrane, C
Hank Greenberg, 1B
Charlie Gehringer, 2B
Billy Rogell, SS
Pete Fox, RF

Schoolboy Rowe, P
Tommy Bridges, P



#2 1932 New York Yankees


Record: 107-47
Manager: Joe McCarthy
Ballpark: Yankee Stadium
Season Result: Won World Series, 4-0, Chicago Cubs

Key Players:
Bill Dickey, C
Lou Gehrig, 1B
Tony Lazzeri, 2B
Ben Chapman, OF
Earle Combs, OF
Babe Ruth, OF

Red Ruffing, P
Johnny Allen, P
Lefty Gomez, P



#3 2013 Atlanta Braves


Record: 96-66
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez
Ballpark: Turner Field
Season Result: Lost NL Division Series, 1-3, Los Angeles Dodgers

Key Players:
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Andrelton Simmons, SS
Jason Heyward, RF

Craig Kimbrel, P
Kris Medlen, P
Julio Teheran, P
Mike Minor, P
Luis Avilan, P
David Carpenter, P



#4 1920 Brooklyn Robins


Record: 93-61
Manager: Wilbert Robinson
Ballpark: Ebbets Field
Season Result: Lost World Series, 2-5, Cleveland Indians

Key Players:
Pete Kilduff, 2B
Zack Wheat, LF
Hi Myers, CF

Burleigh Grimes, P
Leon Cadore, P
Al Mamaux, P
Jeff Pfeffer, P
Sherry Smith, P



#5 2000 Chicago White Sox


Record: 95-67
Manager: Jerry Manuel
Ballpark: Comiskey Park
Season Result: Lost AL Division Series, 0-3, Seattle Mariners

Key Players:
Frank Thomas, 1B
Ray Durham, 2B
Herbert Perry, 3B
Jose Valentine, SS

Mike Sirotka, P
Keith Foulke, P
Bob Howry, P
Kelly Wunsch, P



#6 1944 St. Louis Browns


Record: 89-65
Manager: Luke Sewell
Ballpark: Sportsman's Park
Season Result: Lost World Series, 2-4, St. Louis Cardinals

Key Players:
Vern Stephens, SS

Nels Potter, P
Jack Kramer, P
Bob Muncrief, P



#7 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks


Record: 94-68
Manager: Kirk Gibson
Ballpark: Chase Field
Season Result: Lost NL Division Series, 2-3, Milwaukee Brewers

Key Players:
Miguel Montero, C
Gerardo Parra, LF
Chris Young, CF
Justin Upton, RF

Ian Kennedy, P



#8 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates


Record: 94-68
Manager: Clint Hurdle
Ballpark: PNC Park
Season Result: Lost NL Division Series, 2-3, St. Louis Cardinals

Key Players:
Russell Martin, C
Neil Walker, 2B
Pedro Alvarez, 3B
Starling Marte, LF
Andrew McCutchen, CF

Francisco Liriano, P
Mark Melancon, P

[hfield007]

May 01, Round 1, Bracket #32



The Robins started 15-1 before being swept by the 1932 Yankees
The #1 seed has looked awful, the 1935 Tigers haven't done anything well
As expected, the War pennant winning Browns are abysmal
Babe Ruth hit 13 homeruns in the first month, the leader in bracket 1 had 32 on the year




Players of the Week
04/11 - Babe Ruth, OF, Nyy1932
04/18 - Burleigh Grimes, SP, Brk1920
04/25 - Ben Chapman, OF, Nyy1932

Batter of the Month
Babe Ruth, OF, New York Yankees 1932
.330, 13 HR, 35 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Burleigh Grimes, RH, Brooklyn Robins 1920
6-0, 1.12 ERA, 44 K

[hfield007]

June 01, Round 1, Bracket #32



The Brooklyn Robins jumped the Yankees during Babe Ruth's 15 day injury
The 2013 Pirates are winning on the backs of Alvarez, Byrd and McCutchen
The Tigers showed little improvement and are more than likely out of the race




Players of the Week
05/02 - Bernie Neis, OF, Brk1920
05/09 - Magglio Ordonez, OF, Chw2000
05/16 - Justin Upton, OF, Ari2011
05/23 - Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atl2013
05/30 - Bernie Neis, OF, Brk1920 (2)

Batter of the Month
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atlanta Braves 2013
.358, 5 HR, 18 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Mike Sirotka, LH, Chicago White Sox 2000
5-1, 2.16 ERA, 22 K

[hfield007]

July 01, Round 1, Bracket #32



The 1932 Yankees have pulled far and away all but securing their place in Round 2.
The 8 seed 2013 Pirates continue to baffle opponents
The White Sox have been horribly inconsistent and are losing ground to the Braves




Players of the Week
06/06 - Justin Upton, OF, Atl2013 (2)
06/13 - Hank Greenberg, 1B, Det1935
06/20 - Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pit2013
06/27 - Justin Upton, OF, Atl2013 (3)

Batter of the Month
Babe Ruth, OF, New York Yankees 1932
.333, 6 HR, 15 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Mike Minor, LH, Atlanta Braves 2013
5-0, 2.23 ERA, 17 K

[hfield007]

August 01, Round 1, Bracket #32


The Diamondbacks have been surging, Justin Upton has dominated all season
The Yankees hold first despite a 3rd 15 day injury to Babe Ruth
The Tigers are virtually eliminated at this point with little hope unless the go undefeated




Players of the Week
07/04 - Ryan Roberts, 3B, Ari2011
07/11 - Hank Greenberg, 1B, Det1935 (2)
07/18 - Charles Johnson, C, Chw2000
07/25 - Lou Gehrig, 1B, Nyy1932

Batter of the Month
Ryan Roberts, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks 2011
.282, 9 HR, 24 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Francisco Liriano, LH, Pittsburgh Pirates 2013
5-0, 1.05 ERA, 30 K

[hfield007]

September 14, Round 1, Bracket #32

FINAL STANDINGS





Players of the Week
08/01 - Charles Johnson, C, Chw2000 (2)
08/08 - Hank Greenberg, 1B, Det1935 (3)
08/15 - Hi Myers, CF, Brk1920
08/22 - Samuel Byrd, OF, Nyy1932
08/29 - Neil Walker, 2B, Pit2013
09/05 - Frank Thomas, 1B, Chw2000
09/12 - Hank Greenberg, 1B, Det1935 (4)

08/23 - Red Ruffing, New York 1932, strikes out 15 against Atlanta Braves 2013. (0 BB, 15 K)
08/27 - Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh 2013, hits for the cycle against Arizona Diamondbacks 2011. (4 / 5, 5 RBI)

Batter of the Month
Lou Gehrig, 1B, New York Yankees 1932
.325, 7 HR, 22 RBI

Pitcher of the Month
Schoolboy Rowe, RH, Detroit Tigers 1935
4-1, 2.54 ERA, 30 K


Most Valuable Player


Babe Ruth, RF, New York Yankees 1932
.318 / .453 / .546, 28 HR, 99 RBI, 7.1 War, 2 SB, +3.2 ZR

2nd, Hank Greenberg, 1B, Detroit Tigers 1935
3rd, Lou Gehrig, 1B, New York Yankees 1932
4th, Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates 2013
5th, Freddie Freeman, 1B, Atlanta Braves 2013


Cy Young Award


Mike Minor, LH, Atlanta Braves 2013
16-9, 2.65 ERA, 237.1 IP, 130 K, 56 BB, 6.0 War

2nd, Johnny Allen, RH, New York Yankees 1932
3rd, Francisco Liriano, LH, Pittsburgh Pirates 2013
4th, Rube Marquard, LH, Brooklyn Robins 1920
5th, Schoolboy Rowe, RH, Detroit Tigers 1935


Gold Glove Team
P, Jim Parque, 2000 Chicago White Sox
C, Charles Johnson, 2000 Chicago White Sox
1B, Hank Greenberg, 1935 Detroit Tigers
2B, Charlie Gehringer, 1935 Detroit Tigers
3B, Mark Christman, 1944 St. Louis Browns
SS, Andrelton Simmons, 2013 Atlanta Braves
LF, Gerardo Parra, 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks
CF, Chris Singleton, 2000 Chicago White Sox
RF, Milt Byrnes, 1944 St. Louis Browns


All-Star Team

C, Bill Dickey, 1932 New York Yankees
1B, Hank Greenberg, 1935 Detroit Tigers
2B, Charlie Gehringer, 1935 Detroit Tigers
3B, Ryan Roberts, 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks
SS, Jordy Mercer, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates
LF, Justin Upton, 2011 Arizona Diamondbacks
CF, Andrew McCutchen, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates
RF, Babe Ruth, 1932 New York Yankees
U, Freddie Freeman, 2013 Atlanta Braves

SP, Mike Minor, 2013 Atlanta Braves
SP, A.J. Burnett, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates
SP, Rube Marquard, 1920 Brooklyn Robins
SP, Schoolboy Rowe, 1935 Detroit Tigers
RP, Jumbo Brown, 1932 New York Yankees
RP, Mark Melancon, 2013 Atlanta Braves


Team Wrap Ups

#2 New York Yankees 1932 - Solid pitching helped, but the relentless ability to get on base is why New York sits atop the bracket. Boasting 5 .300 hitters, Gehrig and Ruth combined for 54 homeruns and 193 RBIs. Despite injuries to Ruth throughout, the team never had a problem generating offense.

#3 Atlanta Braves 2013 - Anchored by a mean bullpen and a lineup that can hit it a country mile, the Braves ended the season strong moving from 5th as late as July, to 2nd to end the year. The team managed to avoid the injury bug and Heyward, Freeman and Upton nailed the ball all season long.

#8 Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 - Another surprising Pirates team that dominated from the get go. They will join the 1979 Pirates in the same bracket in Round 2. Coming with them is the MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen who batted .309 mashing 17 long balls. They'll need Jordy Mercer to produce as highly as he did in this round and for Pedro Alvarez to stay above the Mendoza line.

#4 Brooklyn Robins 1920 - The hottest team in April started the bracket 15-1, then leveled off, then dominated, then fell off. It was a rollercoaster year but they make the cut to round 2 and by mid-August all threats were gone for their spot. They carry a heavy hand in pitching but the offense finished 7th. Outside of Hi Myers no one really found a groove this season in Brooklyn at the plate.

#7 Arizona Diamondbacks 2011 - The team that carried the most wallop fails to advance. Chris Young, Justin Upton and Ryan Roberts all hit 20+ homeruns, but the bottom 3 of the pitching staff got hammered all season. Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy's big efforts were wasted.

#5 Chicago White Sox 2000 - Mike Sirotka was the only decent starter. After that was a large drop off that hurt bigger than the big hurt.

#1 Detroit Tigers 1935 - It made no sense. They started terrible. They never made it higher than 7th place. They loused up the field. Hank Greenberg managed 4 player of the week honors. On paper their pitching looked passable. But they finished near the bottom in every category.

#6 St. Louis Browns 1944 - No surprise that the 1944 pennant winning Browns failed. The team made it big in a war year with nothing of value but perhaps luck.

[hfield007]

Bracket 1-A in Round 2 will look as follows

Chicago Cubs 1906 (#1)
New York Yankees 1932 (#2)
Atlanta Braves 2013 (#3)
Boston Red Sox 2013 (#3)
Pittsburgh Pirates 1979 (#4)
Brooklyn Robins 1920 (#4)
Oakland Athletics 1981 (#7)
Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 (#8)

Interesting that there are 3 2013 teams in this round 2 bracket.

8 teams from the 2013 season made it, this due to the face they did not have to compete with 4 future seasons of their teams that would have made it. I am surprised the first 3 of those 8 all advanced.

As it is now, 2 of the 32 first round brackets are complete.

Round 1 will continue with bracket #16 next with a preview soon.

[sprague]

Really like your concept, and how you are sharing it.

Just a question though. Since teams get one shot through to find out who is best, would it not be more fair to have injuries off? Or bad luck could hit the best team's 3 starting pitchers out for the season or the 09 tigers lose Cobb for 6 months and finish last and thus we would never know who really was the best,- just the most lucky

Cheers

[hfield007]

Originally Posted by sprague

Really like your concept, and how you are sharing it.

Just a question though. Since teams get one shot through to find out who is best, would it not be more fair to have injuries off? Or bad luck could hit the best team's 3 starting pitchers out for the season or the 09 tigers lose Cobb for 6 months and finish last and thus we would never know who really was the best,- just the most lucky

Cheers

I should be continuing this soon. Thanks for interest.


And I capped injuries at 15 days as mentioned in the first post. Season enders aren't possible.