Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

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Garrett Garlits

Here's the action for Monday, October 4:

White Sox 12, A's 0

The Pale Hose scored four times in the bottom of the first, then added two in the fifth and six in the sixth. First baseman Jim Spencer's two-run homer in the bottom of the first began the scoring; he led the Chicago offense, going four for five, driving in four runs and scoring three. Designated hitter Jorge Orta also went deep in the bottom of the first and addad a run-scoring single in the bottom of thee sixth. Second baseman Jack Brohamer also drove in a pair of runs and added three hits. All told, the Sox lit up Oakland pitching for twelve runs on seventeen hits. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Kenny Brett tossed a four-hit shutout, walking four and striking out five in a hundred and twelve pitches. A's starter Paul Mitchell, conversely, gave up four runs on four hits in a third of an inning (twenty-two pitches) before being lifted.

The A's loss means that the Royals are Western Division champions for the first time, and will host the Eastern Division champion Yankees tomorrow night in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

W- Brett (11-12)
L- Mitchell (9-8)

HR- CWS: Spencer (15), Orta (15)

The final American League West standings:

Royals: 92-70
Athletics: 91-71- 1 GB
Twins: 85-77- 7 GB
Rangers: 77-85- 15 GB
Angels: 71-91- 21 GB
White Sox: 64-98- 28 GB

The Yankees went on to claim their twenty-sixth American League pennant in a five-game classic over the scrappy Royals, with Chris Chambliss' famous homer off of reliever Mark Lirtell in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 5 being the pennant-winning blow. But they ran headlong into the Big Red Machine in the World Series and were swept in four straight. The Reds thus on their second consecutive world title and sixth overall. The overall world title score now stands at American League 41, National League 32.

Next: We take our look at 1977.

Thoughts?
 

Garrett Garlits

Now for our look at 1977:

National League East- The Phils claim back-to-back division titles despite a three-game slide (101-61 to 98-64). Meanwhile, the second-place Pirates drop a division-high eight games (96-66 to 88-74), which doubles the Phils' margin of victory from five games to ten. The Cardinals improve by three games (83-79 to 86-76) to take third.

At the bottom, the Cubs lose a .500 season with a five-game slide to 76-86, while the Mets' division-high eight-game surge (64-98 to 72-90) doesn't keep them out of the basement for the first time in a decade.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Phillies: 98-64 (-3)
2. Pirates: 88-74- 10 GB (-8)
3. Cardinals: 86-76- 12 GB (+3)
4. Cubs: 76-86- 22 GB (-5)
5. Expos: 74-88- 24 GB (-1)
6. Mets: 72-90- 26 GB (+8)

National League West- The Dodgers improve by three (98-64 to 101-61) to both break the hundred-win barrier and take back the division title for the fourth time. They finish thirteen games ahead of the defending champion Reds, who stand pat at 88-74. The Astros improve by three (81-81 to 84-78) to solidify their hold on third.

Not much happens at the bottom; the Padres escape the basement for just the second time ever (67-95, two-game drop), while the last-place Braves finish at 61-101, forty games behind the Dodgers. The last time they lost a hundred or more was forty-two years ago (1935) when the franchise was still in Boston.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 101-61 (+3)
2. Reds: 88-74- 13 GB (0)
3. Astros: 84-78- 17 GB (+3)
4. Giants: 77-85- 24 GB (+2)
5. Padres: 67-95- 34 GB (-2)
6. Braves: 61-101- 40 GB (0)

The Dodgers defeated the Phillies in four games in the NLCS to claim the franchise's fifteenth National League pennant.

American League East- The Yankees go back-to-back, taking their third division title in four years by four and a half games over the Red Sox with a mark of 99-63, a one-game slide. The Bosox break their tie with the Orioles for second place by dropping just three games (97-64 to 94-67) while the Birds fall off a cliff, dropping a division-high nine (97-64 to 88-73) and falling to third. The Tigers improve by three games (74-88 to 77-85) and hold on to fourth.

All three teams at the bottom improve: The fifth-place Indians take a three-game bump (71-90 to 74-87), the sixth-place Brewers move up by one (67-95 to 68-94), and the expansion Toronto Blue Jays make a division-high four-game surge (54-107 to 58-103), though they still finish forty and a half games behind the Pinstripes.

FINAL STANDINGS: (Expansion team in bold italics)

1. Yankees: 99-63 (-1)
2. Red Sox: 94-67- 4.5 GB (-3)
3. Orioles: 88-73- 10.5 GB (-9)
4. Tigers: 77-85- 22 GB (+3)
5. Indians: 74-87- 24.5 GB (+3)
6. Brewers: 68-94- 31 GB (+1)
7. Toronto Blue Jays: 58-103- 40.5 GB (+4)

American League West- The Royals once again reign supreme, taking their second consecutive Western title by six games over the Rangers despite a four-game drop (102-60 to 98-64). The Rangers drop a pair themselves (94-68 to 92-70) while the Twins spike by five (84-77 to 89-72) and move up from fourth to third, switching places with the White Sox (88-74, two-game drop)

At the bottom, the fifth-place Angels match the Twins' five-game upswing (74-88 to 79-83), while the A's go from a half-game back in '76 to a 65-96 mark (two-game improvement) and sixth place in '77. The expansion Seattle Mariners bring up the rear, as their six-game drop (64-98 to 58-104) allows the A's to get ahead of them. They end up forty games behind the Royals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Royals: 98-64 (-4)
2. Rangers: 92-70- 6 GB (-2)
3. Twins: 89-72- 8.5 GB (+5)
4. White Sox: 88-74- 10 GB (-2)
5. Angels: 79-83- 19 GB (+5)
6. Athletics: 65-96- 32.5 GB (+2)
7. Seattle Mariners: 58-104- 40 GB (-6)

The Yankees beat the Royals in another classic five-game ALCS to win their twenty-seventh American League pennant, then defeated the Dodgers in six games to win their nineteenth world championship and their first since 1963. The American League's lead in the all-time world title chase is back to ten at 42-32.

Next: We look at 1978.

Thoughts?
 

Garrett Garlits

Now for our look at 1978:

National League East- The Phils make it three in a row, improving by five games (90-72 to 95-67) to beat the Bucs by eight and a half. The Bucs drop two (88-73 to 86-75) to help matters out. The young and hungry Expos sport the biggest improvement, spiking by eight games (76-86 to 84-78) and rising from fourth to third.

The bottom of the division sees major improvements by both the Cardinals and the Mets. The Redbirds improve by five games (69-93 to 74-88) while the Mets jump by six (66-96 to 72-90). Unfortunately, they still finish fifth and sixth respectively. The fourth-place Cubs drop a division-high four games (79-83 to 75-87).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Phillies: 95-67 (+5)
2. Pirates: 86-75- 8.5 GB (-2)
3. Expos: 84-78- 11 GB (+8)
4. Cubs: 75-87- 20 GB (-4)
5. Cardinals: 74-88- 21 GB (+5)
6. Mets: 72-90- 23 GB (+6)

National League West- The Dodgers go back-to-back, taking their fifth division title overall with a three-game improvement (95-67 to 98-64). The second-place Reds make it easy with a nine-game nosedive (92-69 to 83-78), which means that the Dodgers' real-life two and a half game victory becomes a fourteen and a half game rout. The Reds finish just half a game ahead of the third-place Giants, who themselves fall off by six (89-73 to 83-79).

The only team in the bottom three to improve is the fifth-place Astros (four games, 74-88 to 78-84). The Braves cement their place in the cellar with a four-game drop (69-93 to 65-97), while the Padres' four-game slide (84-78 to 80-82) deprives the franchise of its first-ever winning season.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 98-64 (+3)
2. Reds: 83-78- 14.5 GB (-9)
3. Giants: 83-79- 15 GB (-6)
4. Padres: 80-82- 18 GB (-4)
5. Astros: 78-84- 20 GB (+4)
6. Braves: 65-97- 23 GB (-4)

The Dodgers beat the Phils in the NLCS three games to one for the second year in a row to win their sixteenth National League pennant.

East- No need for a playoff, as the Yankees make it four division crowns in five years with a mark of 98-64, a one-game slip. Surprisingly, it's the Brewers who almost run them down, as they improve by four games (93-69 to 97-65) and end up falling just a game short. The Red Sox drop three games (99-63 to 96-66) and finish two games out in third place, while the Tigers improve by two (86-76 to 88-74) and overtake the Orioles for fourth.

The Birds take a seven-game bath (90-71 to 83-78) and end up finishing fifth, then it's far back to the Indians, who improve by five (69-90 to 74-85) and the Blue Jays, who improve by two (59-102 to 61-100) but still lose a hundred games and finish last, thirty-six and a half games behind New York.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 98-64 (-1)
2. Brewers: 97-65- 1 GB (+4)
3. Red Sox: 96-66- 2 GB (-3)
4. Tigers: 88-74- 10 GB (+2)
5. Orioles: 83-78- 14.5 GB (-7)
6. Indians: 74-85- 22.5 GB (+5)
7. Blue Jays: 61-100- 36.5 GB (+2)

West- The Royals take their third Western crown in a row, finishing with a record of 93-69, a one-game bump that gives them a five-game cushion over the second-place Rangers. The Lawmen pick up a game (87-75 to 88-75) and thus settle their second-place tie with the Angels, who fall off by three (87-75 to 84-78) and finish third. The fourth-place Twins spike by a division-high seven (73-89 to 80-82) and just miss a winning record.

At the bottom, the fifth-place Pale Hose drop a game (71-90 to 70-91) and we have a pair of hundred-game losers: the A's, who plunge by a division-worst seven (69-93 to 62-100), and the Mariners, who improve by two (56-104 to 58-102), but still finish thirty-four games behind Kansas City.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Royals: 93-69 (+1)
2. Rangers: 88-74- 5 GB (+1)
3. Angels: 84-78- 9 GB (-3)
4. Twins: 80-82- 13 GB (+7)
5. White Sox: 70-91- 22.5 GB (-1)
6. Athletics: 62-100- 31 GB (-7)
7. Mariners: 58-102- 34 GB (+2)

This year, it took only four games for the Yankees to eliminate the Royals in the ALCS to claim pennant number twenty-eight. This victory leads to a World Series rematch with the Dodgers, which they win in six games to claim the Yankee franchise's twentieth world championship and increase the American League's World Series lead to eleven at 43-32.

Next: We look at 1979.

Thoughts?
 

mattep74

I had never understood the term until today and i used the formula for the Swedish champions in Soccer Malmö FF and based on the formula they should have gotten 63 Points, they finished with 64 this year(formula doesnt take ties into account). Someone should do a thread like this with soccer.
 

Garrett Garlits

I'm back! I've had a rather serious health scare, but I'm up and running. I'm not sure when I'll be up to updating this thread, though; it's a ton of typing. My guess? At least a month, and I'm thinking of doing an entirely different thread instead. I'll let you know when I feel a little stronger. In the meantime, it's nice to be back!
 
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Garrett Garlits

Just dropping by to tell you that I haven't forgotten this thread in the last six months. But I have no plans to resume it at this time; I'm fully immersed in my NFL thread. I'll update again in a few more months, if I'm not back full time by then.
 

Garrett Garlits

I'm back for a while, and I'm trying an experiment. I need to learn to cut and paste with my laptop, so I figured that I'd practice on a few of the years in this thread that don't require sims, and I'm starting with 1985. I got these directly from my old thread at The 506, so if I have a wrong number of division title or pennants, it's from that thread. I'll fix it when I rejoin this timeline on a more permanent basis.

The American League is first in this post because that was the page I chose to experiment with first.

East- The Blue Jays win their first-ever division title by freezing with their real-life mark of 99-62. The Yankees improve by one (97-64 to 98-63) but can only get to within a game. The Red Sox put on an eight-game spurt (81-81 to 89-73) to move up from fifth to third, while the Orioles' three-game hike (83-79 to 86-75) lands them safely in fourth.

The Tigers actually gain a game (84-77 to 85-76) but still can't get out of fifth. From there, it's a long way down to the sixth-place Brew Crew (69-92, two-game slip), who only avoid last because the Indians' division-best nine-game surge (60-102 to 69-93) falls a half game short of lifting them out of the basement.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 99-62 (0)
2. Yankees: 98-63- 1 GB (+1)
3. Red Sox: 89-73- 10.5 GB (+8)
4. Orioles: 86-75- 13 GB (+3)
5. Tigers: 85-76- 14 GB (+1)
6. Brewers: 69-92- 30 GB (-2)
7. Indians: 69-93- 30,5 GB (+9)

West- The Royals capture their fourth Western Division crown despite sliding from 91-71 to 86-76, a total of five games. The second-place Angels do them one better with a six-game plunge (90-72 to 84-78) which makes Kansas City's final margin of victory two games. The White Sox grab third despite a two-game slide (85-77 to 83-79) and wind up just three games out. The A's (78-84, one-game improvement) round out the top tier, while the Twins, who had been tied with them for fourth, sink into fifth place by themselves after a four-game slide (77-85 to 73-89).

No change with the bottom two, as the sixth-place Mariners fall by three (74-88 to 71-91) while the Rangers end up in the basement with a mark of 63-98, a one-game improvement that still leaves them twenty-two and a half games behind the Royals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Royals: 86-76 (-5)
2. Angels: 84-78- 2 GB (-6)
3. White Sox: 83-79- 3 GB (-2)
4. Athletics: 78-84- 8 GB (+1)
5. Twins: 73-89- 13 GB (-4)
6. Mariners: 71-91- 15 GB (-3)
7. Rangers: 63-98- 22.5 GB (+1)

The Royals came back from a three games to one deficit in the new best-of-seven ALCS to defeat the Jays in seven games and claim their first American League pennant so far in this timeline. They then came back from down three games to two against the Cardinals in the World Series to win in seven games and claim their first-ever world championship.

Now let's try the National League:

East- The Cardinals drop a game (101-61 to 100-62), but still take their third division title by four games over the surprising Mets, who finish at 96-66, a two-game drop but still an astounding improvement considering where they've been for most of the last ten years. No one else in the division finishes at .500; the Expos come the closest, taking third with a mark of 80-81, a four-game slide. This put them half a game ahead of the Phils, who improve by five (75-87 to 80-82) to finish ahead of the Cubs, but just miss a winning season.

The Bucs manage to avoid a hundred-loss season with a seven-game improvement (57-104 to 64-97), but still finish in last place for the first time since 1957. Their record puts them thirty-five and a half games behind St. Louis, and as this awful season ends there's talk that it may be the last for the franchise in Pittsburgh.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 100-62 (-1)
2. Mets: 96-66- 4 GB (-2)
3. Expos: 80-81- 19.5 GB (-4)
4. Phillies: 80-82- 20 GB (+5)
5. Cubs: 76-85- 23.5 GB (-1)
6. Pirates: 64-97- 35.5 GB (+7)

West- The Dodgers fall off by two (95-67 to 93-69) but still cruise to a nine-game victory and their sixth Western Division crown. There's a big shakeup behind them, as the Reds plummet by seven games (89-72 to 82-79) and from second to fourth. This opens the door for the Padres, whose one-game improvement (83-79 to 84-78) is enough to break their tie with the Astros and earn them sole possession of second. The Stros hold fast and finish third.

At the bottom, a five-game upswing by the Giants (62-100 to 67-95) both erases a hundred-loss season and gets them out of the basement, which the Braves "earn" for themselves by keeping their real-life mark of 66-96.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 93-69 (-2)
2. Padres: 84-78- 9 GB (+1)
3. Astros: 83-79- 10 GB (0)
4. Reds: 82-79- 10.5 GB (-7)
5. Giants: 67-95- 26 GB (+5)
6. Braves: 66-96- 27 GB (0)

The Cardinals beat the Dodgers in the first best-of-seven NLCS four games to two to claim their twelfth National League pennant so far in this timeline.

The Royals defeated the Cardinals in the all-Missouri World Series to increase the American League's all-time World Series lead to twelve at 44-32.

Next: We move on to the second of our experimental years, 1986.

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

Now here's our look at 1986, beginning in the National League:

East- The Mets finally break out, as despite a five-game falloff (108-54 to 103-59), they take their first-ever title of any kind by an astronomical nineteen and a half games over the second-place Phillies, who fall off by three (86-75 to 83-78). The defending champion Redbirds stay firm at 79-82 to finish third.

The big story at the bottom comes from Pittsburgh, as the Buccos not only stay in town, but improve by thirteen games, the biggest swing either way in National League history. From 64-98 and last place, they improve all the way to 77-85 and finish fourth. Unfortunately, they still end up twenty-six games behind the Mets. The Expos drop by three (78-83 to 75-86) and fade to fifth, while the Cubs lock in at 70-90 and bring up the rear, thirty-two games behind New York.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mets: 103-59 (-5)
2. Phillies: 83-78- 19.5 GB (-3)
3. Cardinals: 79-82 23.5 GB (0)
4. Pirates: 77-85- 26 GB (+13)
5. Expos: 75-86- 27.5 GB (-3)
6. Cubs: 70-90- 32 GB (0)

West- Like the Mets, the Astros drop off by five (96-66 to 91-71) but still take their first Western Division crown in this timeline by holding off the Giants, who improve by a division-high seven games (83-79 to 90-72) and from third to second just a game back. The Reds fall off by three (86-76 to 83-79) and fade to third.

The defending champion Dodgers suffer from postseason hangover, though they manage to keep fourth with a three-game improvement (73-89 to 76-86). The Padres hold steady at 74-88 to finish fifth, while the Braves finish in the basement again with a 69-92 mark (down three games), which leaves them twenty-one games off the pace.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Astros: 91-71 (-5)
2. Giants: 90-72- 1 GB (+7)
3. Reds: 83-79- 8 GB (-3)
4. Dodgers: 76-86- 15 GB (+3)
5. Padres: 74-88- 17 GB (0)
6. Braves: 69-92- 21.5 GB (-3)

The Mets take New York's first National League pennant since the Dodgers' Brooklyn win in 1955, outlasting the Stros four games to two in an NLCS still regarded as one of the best ever played.

Now for the American League:

East- It's hard to believe that it's taken until 1986 for the Red Sox to win an outright Eastern Division title. But they manage it despite a five-game slide that makes their final mark at 90-71. Their winning margin over the second-place Tigers is a game and a half, as the Bless You Boys pick up two games (87-75 to 89-73) and move up from third. The defending champion Blue Jays also add a pair (86-76 to 88-74) and move into third, while the Yankees tumble from second to fourth after a three-game drop (90-72 to 87-75).

The fifth-place Indians drop four (84-78 to 80-82) and lose a winning season, while the O's and the Brewers switch places at the bottom, as a three-game Baltimore upgrade (73-89 to 76-86) coincides with a four-game Milwaukee drop (77-84 to 73-88). The Brewers end up seventeen games behind the Red Sox.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Red Sox: 90-71 (-5)
2. Tigers: 89-73- 1.5 GB (+2)
3. Blue Jays: 88-74- 2.5 GB (+2)
4. Yankees: 87-75- 3.5 GB (-3)
5. Indians: 80-82- 10.5 GB (-4)
6. Orioles: 76-86- 14.5 GB (+3)
7. Brewers: 73-88- 17 GB (-4)

West- The Angels win the West for the third time, posting a mark of 91-71, a one-game drop. They defeat the second-place Rangers by seven games, as Texas falls off by three (87-75 to 84-78). No one else in the division finishes above .500; the defending champion Royals come in third at 79-83, which is a three-game improvement, while the fourth-place A's take a two-game bump (76-86 to 78-84).

The White Sox improve by three (72-90 to 75-87) but stay fifth, and the Mariners equal that improvement (67-95 to 70-92) but still finish last, twenty-one games behind the Angels. In between, the Twins improve by one (71-91 to 70-92).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Angels: 91-71 (-1)
2. Rangers: 84-78- 7 GB (-3)
3. Royals: 79-83- 12 GB (+3)
4. Athletics: 78-84- 12.5 GB (+2)
5. White Sox: 75-87- 16 GB (+3)
6. Twins: 72-90- 19 GB (+1)
7. Mariners: 70-92- 21 GB (+3)

The Red Sox came back from down three games to one against the Angels in the ALCS to beat them in seven games and claim their seventh American League pennant. They went on to lose to the Mets in a classic seven-game World Series that brought the Mets their first-ever world championship. The World Series score is now American League 44, National League 33.

Next: The third year of our experiment, 1988.

Thoughts?
 
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Mountain Rivera

Mountain Rivera

Incredible "Alternate Database" of sorts which you have created here, very enjoyable, and your commentary is very refined, informative, and never short on detail.
This is one completely Original "What If?" Idea, great work, Thank You for all of your time and effort contributing to this concept (Baseball in the Pythagorean) taken one step further!
I may have overlooked something, I have a question if you don't mind...
I cannot seem to find Seasons 1982 thru 1984, where can I please find those Postings?

Thanks Much,
Mountain Rivera
 

Garrett Garlits

I haven't done them yet. I'm trying to learn how to cut and paste on a touchscreen computer, so I'm picking out years at random for the moment trying to get the technique down. I also don't want to run baseball sims right now because I'm doing a similar Pythagorean thread about the NFL that I want to focus on. I'll eventually do the years you're looking for, but it will probably be a while. Thanks for reading!
 

Garrett Garlits

Now let's examine 1988, beginning in the National League:

East- The Mets hold firm at 100-60 to take their second division championship. Their margin of victory over the second-place Pirates and Expos is sixteen games, as the Bucs drop from 85-75 to 84-76, a one-game slip, while the Spos improve by four (81-81 to 85-77) to force a virtual tie.

The only team at the bottom to make a move is the fifth-place Cardinals, who drop two games (76-86 to 74-88). In other news, the Phils return to last place, freezing at 65-96, thirty-five and a half games behind the Mets.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mets: 100-60 (0)
2. (tie) Pirates: 84-76- 16 GB (-1)
(tie) Expos: 85-77- 16 GB (+4)
4. Cubs: 77-85- 24 GB (0)
5. Cardinals: 74-88- 27 GB (-2)
6. Phillies: 65-96- 35.5 GB (0)

West- The Dodgers claim their seventh Western Division title, as they end up on top with a record of 91-70, a three-game slide. They still finish five games in front of the Reds, who fall by one (87-74 to 86-75). The Giants improve by three (83-79 to 86-76) to finish just a half-game behind Cincy in third.

At the bottom, the fourth-place Padres drop a game (83-78 to 82-79), the Stros cost themselves a winning record (82-80 to 79-83, three-game drop), and the Braves' five-game upswing (54-106 to 59-101) still gives them a hundred-loss season, as they finish thirty-one and a half games behind Los Angeles.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 91-70 (-3)
2. Reds: 86-75- 5 GB (-1)
3. Giants: 86-76- 5.5 GB (+3)
4. Padres: 82-79- 9 GB (-1)
5. Astros: 79-83- 12.5 GB (-3)
6. Braves: 59-101- 31.5 GB (+5)

The Dodgers upset the Mets in the NLCS four games to three to win their seventeenth National League pennant.

Now it's time to examine the American League:

East: The Red Sox take their second Eastern Division crown in three years, finishing with a mark of 93-69, a four-game improvement. The defending champion Blue Jays finish second, improving by three games (87-75 to 90-72) to finish three games out, and also breaking their real-life second place tie with the Brewers, who pick up a pair (87-75 to 89-73) and finish third. The Tigers shed a pair of games (88-74 to 86-76) and fade from second to fourth.

The fifth-place Yankees also drop a pair (85-76 to 83-78), then it's far back to the Indians, who fall by four (78-84 to 74-88), and the Orioles, who lose more games than any other AL team in nine years (55-106, one-game bump). The last team this bad was the '79 A's, who finished 52-110. We'll go back and discuss 1979 in more detail at a later date.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Red Sox: 93-69 (+4)
2. Blue Jays: 90-72- 3 GB (+3)
3. Brewers: 89-73- 4 GB (+2)
4. Tigers: 86-76- 7 GB (-2)
5. Yankees: 83-78- 9.5 GB (-2)
6. Indians: 78-84- 15 GB (-4)
7. Orioles: 55-106- 37.5 GB (+1)

West- Despite a four-game drop (104-58 to 100-62), the A's take their first Western Division title since 1975 and sixth overall, defeating the Twins (90-72, one-game drop) by ten games. The Royals improve by three (84-77 to 87-74) to finish third, while the fourth-place Angels hold firm at 75-87.

The Mariners' four-game upgrade (68-93 to 72-89) leapfrogs them from seventh to fifth, and the White Sox' four-game slip (71-90 to 67-94) drops them from fifth to the basement. In between, the sixth-place Rangers stay put at 70-91.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 100-62 (-4)
2. Twins: 90-72- 10 GB (-1)
3. Royals: 87-74- 12.5 GB (+3)
4. Angels: 75-87- 25 GB (0)
5. Mariners: 72-89- 27.5 GB (+4)
6. Rangers: 70-91- 29.5 GB (0)
7. White Sox: 67-94- 32.5 GB (-4)

The A's swept the Red Sox in the ALCS to win their twelfth American League pennant, but Kirk Gibson's unforgettable homer in Game 1 powered the Dodgers to a five-game World Series victory that netted the franchise its sixth world championship in this timeline so far. The American League lead in World Series won now stands at 44-34.

Next: The last of our experimental years, 1993.

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

Now it's time to look at 1993, beginning in the National League:

East- The Phils take their fourth division title, dropping four games to finish at 93-69, which is good for a seven-game win over the second-place Expos. The Spos drop a division-high eight games (94-68 to 86-76) but still finish four games ahead of the third-place Cardinals, who fall off by five (87-75 to 82-80). The fourth-place Cubs finish at .500 on the nose after dropping three.

The bottom sees a historic improvement from the Mets, who go from the basement and a hundred-loss season all the way up to fifth with a fourteen-game rise, the most to date in NL history (59-103 to 73-89). The Bucs fall to sixth after a four-game slide (75-87 to 71-91), and finish twenty-two games off the Phils' pace. The expansion Florida Marlins bring up the rear at 65-97, twenty-eight games back (one-game improvement).

FINAL STANDINGS: (Expansion team in bold italics)

1. Phillies: 93-69 (-4)
2. Expos: 86-76- 7 GB (-8)
3. Cardinals: 82-80- 11 GB (-5)
4. Cubs: 81-81- 12 GB (-3)
5. Mets: 73-89- 20 GB (+14)
6. Pirates: 71-91- 22 GB (-4)
7. Florida Marlins: 65-97- 28 GB (+1)

West- The legendary real-life division race from this year never gets going, as the Braves lock in at 104-58 while the Giants fall off by five (103-59 to 98-64) to produce a rather easy six-game victory for America's (Baseball) Team, which takes its first Western Division title in this timeline. A five-game improvement by the third-place Astros (85-77 to 90-72) nets them a ninety-win campaign but not much else, while the Dodgers improve by one (81-81 to 82-80) to earn a winning record.

At the bottom, the big news is an eleven-game surge by the Padres (61-101 to 72-90) that gets them out of the basement and moves them ahead of the expansion Colorado Rockies, who drop four games to finish last, forty-one games behind Atlanta, and just miss a hundred-loss season (67-95 to 63-99). The Reds, who will join the new National League Central as part of realignment in 1994, say goodbye with a two-game improvement (73-89 to 75-87) and a fifth-place finish.

Speaking of realignment, there will definitely be a new champion in this division next year, as the Braves will move to the NL East.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 104-58 (0)
2. Giants: 98-64- 6 GB (-5)
3. Astros: 90-72- 14 GB (+5)
4. Dodgers: 82-80- 22 GB (+1)
5. Reds: 75-87- 29 GB (+2)
6. Padres: 72-90- 32 GB (+11)
7. Colorado Rockies: 63-99- 41 GB (-4)

The Phillies took their second National League pennant in this timeline and their first since 1915, defeating their future division rivals the Braves four games to two in the NLCS.

Now let's go to the American League:

East- It's a second division title for the Blue Jays, who win the East despite a four-game slide (95-67 to 91-71). Their margin of victory over the second-place Yankees (87-75, one-game slip) is four. The Tigers improve by one (85-77 to 86-76) to break their third-place tie with the Orioles, who take fourth after freezing at 85-77.

The Red Sox also hold steady, taking fifth at 80-82. Both of the bottom teams are leaving for the new American League Central in 1994, and bid farewell to the East with improvements. The sixth-place Indians receive a three-game bump (76-86 to 79-83), while the defending champion Brewers finish last despite a division-high six-game spike (69-93 to 75-87).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 91-71 (-4)
2. Yankees: 87-75- 4 GB (-1)
3. Tigers: 86-76- 5 GB (+1)
4. Orioles: 85-77- 6 GB (0)
5. Red Sox: 80-82- 11 GB (0)
6. Indians: 79-83- 12 GB (+3)
7. Brewers: 75-87- 16 GB (+6)

West- The White Sox will also leave the West for the Central in '94, and they go out on top, winning their first Western crown in this timeline so far with a record of 92-70, a two-game slide. The Rangers improve by three (86-76 to 89-73) but still finish three games out in second, while the surprising Mariners finish third with a .500 record following a one-game dip (82-80 to 81-81). The Royals drop five games (84-78 to 79-83) and fall from third to fourth.

The bottom of the division sees one-game improvements by the fifth-place Angels (71-91 to 72-90) and sixth-place A's (68-94 to 69-93). Meanwhile, the Twins slide by three games (71-91 to 68-94) and fall from a fifth-place tie with California into sole possession of the cellar, twenty-four games behind the Pale Hose.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. White Sox: 92-70 (-2)
2. Rangers: 89-73- 3 GB (+3)
3. Mariners: 81-81- 11 GB (-1)
4. Royals: 79-83- 13 GB (-5)
5. Angels: 72-90- 20 GB (+1)
6. Athletics: 69-93- 23 GB (+1)
7. Twins: 68-94- 24 GB (-3)

The Jays eliminated the Chisox in a six-game ALCS to claim their first-ever American League pennant, then did the same to the Phillies to take the World Series trophy to Canada for the first time ever. The American League has now won forty-five World Series to the National League's thirty-four.

Next: We begin an examination of leagues whose postseason ended the same way as in real life, starting with the American League in 1979. (This is as far as I'll go with my cutting and pasting experiment.)

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

I just wanted to let you know that I've changed my mind about cutting and pasting one league at a time. It would simply be too confusing for you readers to follow, and it would more than likely mix me up too. So this timeline's going back into storage for the moment. I don't know exactly how long it will stay there, but I'll check in with updates from time to time. Believe me, I won't forget to continue it. Just be patient!
 

Garrett Garlits

I'm going to cut and paste the standings for the years from 1979-2013, which I have in my original thread at The 506. The exceptions are 1981 and 1994, which are being handled in their own threads. This will save me some time when I get back to doing sims, which I will eventually. This process should take about a month at the rate of one year a day.

We begin with 1979 in the National League:

East- The Family (95-67, three-game drop) and les Expos (94-66, one-game drop) are tied for first at the end of the season. The Cardinals shed a game (86-76 to 85-77), but still finish third due to the implosion of the defending champion Phils, who nosedive by seven (84-78 to 77-85) and end up fifth.

The Cubs take fourth, as their one-game improvement allows them to finish at .500 for the first time in seven years. The Mets' five-game upswing (63-99 to 68-94) still means a basement finish, their third in a row.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. (tie) Pirates: 95-67 (-3)
(tie) Expos: 94-66 (-1)
3. Cardinals: 85-77- 10 GB (-1)
4. Cubs: 81-81- 14 GB (+1)
5. Phillies: 77-85- 18 GB (-7)
6. Mets: 68-94- 27 GB (+5)

The Expos still have to make up a doubleheader against the Braves in Atlanta on Monday, October 1. If they sweep, they'll win the East outright. If they lose both games, the Pirates take the division. If they split, there will be a one-game playoff on Tuesday, October 2. According to the rules of the Pythagorean universe, the winner of the season series hosts a playoff, and the Pirates won the season series 11-7. Therefore, the playoff, if it's necessary, will be at Three Rivers Stadium.

West- The Reds win their fifth division title of the seventies, staying the course with their real-life mark of 90-71. The Dodgers move up from third to second with a four-game improvement (79-83 to 83-79), but finish seven and a half games back. The Astros drop a division high of eight games to finish exactly at .500, nine and a half back.

All three teams at the bottom improve, but nobody moves up or down in the standings. The Padres' four-game hike (68-93 to 72-89) brings them within half a game of the Giants (73-89, two-game improvement) for fourth, while the Braves still finish with ninety losses despites their four-game upswing (66-94 to 70-90).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Reds: 90-71 (0)
2. Dodgers: 83-79- 7.5 GB (+4)
3. Astros: 81-81- 9.5 GB (-8)
4. Giants: 73-89- 17.5 GB (+2)
5. Padres: 72-89- 18 GB (+4)
6. Braves: 70-90- 19.5 GB (+4)

The Eastern champion (either the Pirates or the Expos) will have home field advantage in the NLCS against the Reds.

Now let's go to the American League:

East- The Birds of Baltimore return to the top, claiming their seventh Eastern Division title with a mark of 98-61, a four-game drop. Their margin of victory over the Red Sox is six and a half games, as the Bosox pick up a game (91-69 to 92-68). The Brewers drop a division-high six (95-66 to 89-72) and fall from second to third, while the defending champion Yankees secure fourth despite a three-game fall (89-71 to 86-74).

The Tigers are the fifth team in the division to finish over .500 (84-77, one-game drop). Then comes the Tribe, which loses its winning season due to a five-game plunge (81-80 to 76-85). Somewhere up the highway two or three time zones back, we come to the hapless Blue Jays, who improve by four (53-109 to 57-105) but still end up forty-two and a half games behind Baltimore.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Orioles: 98-61 (-4)
2. Red Sox 92-68- 6.5 GB (+1)
3. Brewers: 89-72- 10 GB (-6)
4. Yankees: 86-74- 12.5 GB (-3)
5. Tigers: 85-77- 14.5 GB (-1)
6. Indians: 76-85- 23 GB (-5)
7. Blue Jays: 57-105- 42.5 GB (+4)

West- The Angels "win one for the Cowboy", presenting Gene Autry with his second Western Division title. Their final record is 90-72, a two-game improvement. They defeat the Rangers by four games, as the Lawmen improve by three (83-79 to 86-76). The third-place Twins match that improvement (82-80 to 85-77) while the defending champion Royals fall from second place to fourth despite dropping only one game (85-77 to 84-78).

The White Sox put on a five-game spurt (73-87 to 78-82) but can't get out of fifth, while the Mariners are the first of the two '77 expansion teams to make it out of the cellar, finishing sixth with a three-game improvement (67-95 to 70-92). That leaves the A's, who have their worst season sine 1916, when they lost a hundred and twelve in Philadelphia. Their record this year is 52-110 (a two-game drop), and they finish thirty-eight games behind the Angels.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Angels: 90-72 (+2)
2. Rangers: 86-76- 4 GB (+3)
3. Twins: 85-77- 5 GB (+3)
4. Royals: 84-78- 6 GB (-1)
5. White Sox: 78-82- 11 GB (+5)
6. Mariners: 70-92- 20 GB (+3)
7. Athletics:52-110- 38 GB (-2)

The O's took care of the Halos in four games to win their eighth American League pennant. They'll meet one of three teams (Expos, Pirates, or Reds) in the World Series, and they'll have home field advantage as the American League champion.

Next: The standings for 1980.

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

Here are the standings for 1980, beginning in the National League:

East- The Phils make it four division titles in five years, standing firm at 91-71 to take the title by three games over the Expos, who drop two (90-72 to 88-74). The Cardinals pull off a ten-game surge (78-84 to 84-78) to take third place away from the Bucs, who are frozen at 83-79, good for fourth place eight games back.

Both the Mets (67-95 to 71-91) and Cubs (64-98 to 68-94) pull off four-game upswings, but still finish fifth and sixth respectively.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Phillies: 91-71 (0)
2. Expos: 88-74- 3 GB (-2)
3. Cardinals: 84-78- 7 GB (+10)
4. Pirates: 83-79- 8 GB (0)
5. Mets: 71-91- 20 GB (+4)
6. Cubs: 68-94- 23 GB (+4)

West- The Los Angeles Dodgers don't need a playoff to take their eighth division title so far in this timeline and their third in the last four years. They drop two games (92-70 to 90-72) by still finish four games ahead of the second-place Astros, who take a six-game plunge (92-70 to 86-76). The defending champion Reds fall off by four (89-73 to 85-77) but still hold on to third.

At the bottom, the Braves lose a winning season with a four-game slide (81-80 to 77-84), and the Padres and Giants exchange places. The Pads improve by one (73-89 to 74-88) to finish fifth while Frisco slides by two (75-86 to 73-88) and into the cellar.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 90-72 (-2)
2. Astros: 86-76- 4 GB (-6)
3. Reds: 85-77- 5 GB (-4)
4. Braves: 77-84- 12.5 GB (-4)
5. Padres: 74-88- 16 GB (+1)
6. Giants: 73-88- 16.5 GB (-2)

The Phils and Dodgers will meet in the NLCS for the third time in the last four years, with the Western champion Dodgers having home field advantage.

Now let's look at the American League:

East- We have a change at the top, as the Baltimore Orioles continue their dominance by capturing their eighth Eastern Division title. They fall off by two games (100-62 to 98-64) but it doesn't hurt them. That's because the Yankees plunge by six, from 103-59 to 97-65, which gives Baltimore the crown by a game. The third-place Brewers end up being the most improved team in the division, spiking by eight (86-76 to 94-68) and finishing just four games out. The Tigers' four game improvement (84-78 to 88-74) is enough for them to break their virtual real-life tie with the Red Sox, who tumble to fifth and lose their winning season after a four-game dip (83-77 to 79-81).

The sixth-place Tribe matches the Yankees' six-game falloff (79-81 to 73-87), and the Blue Jays finish last for the fourth year in a row after a one-game downgrade (67-95 to 66-96).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Orioles: 98-64 (-2)
2. Yankees: 97-65- 1 GB (-6)
3. Brewers: 94-68- 4 GB (+8)
4. Tigers: 88-74- 10 GB (+4)
5. Red Sox: 79-81- 18 GB (-4)
6. Indians: 73-87- 24 GB (-6)
7. Blue Jays: 66-96- 32 GB (-1)

West- The Royals tie for the worst slide in the West at five games, but they're still good enough to take their fourth division title in five years with a mark of 92-70. They defeat the resurgent Billyball A's by six games despite the latter's three-game bump (83-79 to 86-76). The Rangers move up to third off of their five-game improvement (76-85 to 81-80), while the Twins fall to fourth after dropping two (77-84 to 75-86).

At the bottom, the fifth-place Angels match the Rangers' five-game upswing (65-95 to 70-90), the sixth-place Pale Hose match the Royals' five-game plunge (70-90 to 65-95), and the Mariners return to the basement after a one-year hiatus and lose a hundred games to boot despite a three-game improvement (59-103 to 62-100).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Royals: 92-70 (-5)
2. Athletics: 86-76- 6 GB (+3)
3. Rangers: 81-80- 10.5 GB (+5)
4. Twins: 75-86- 16,5 GB (-2)
5. Angels: 70-90- 21 GB (+5)
6. White Sox: 65-95- 26 GB (-5)
7. Mariners: 62-100- 30 GB (+3)

The Orioles and Royals will meet in the ALCS, with the Birds having home field advantage as the Eastern Division champions. The winner will oppose the winner of the Phillies-Dodgers NLCS in the World Series, with home field advantage going to the National League champions.

Next: We're covering 1981 in its own thread, so we move on to the standings for 1982.

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

Now let's look at 1982, beginning in the National League:

East- For the second time in four years, we need a playoff to determine the division champion, as the Cards and Montreal Expos finish deadlocked at 90-72. The Cards drop two games, while the Spos improve by four. The Buccos hold fast at 84-78 to finish third, six games back. Meanwhile, the Phillies take a division-high seven-game plunge (89-73 to 82-80) and fall from second to fourth.

The fifth-place Cubs match Montreal's improvement (73-89 to 77-85) while the cellar-dwelling Mets improve by three (65-97 to 68-94). Since their surprising second to the Phils in '76, the Mets have now finished last in four of the six years we've examined.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. (tie) Cardinals: 90-72 (-2)
(tie) Expos: 90-72 (+4)
3. Pirates: 84-78- 6 GB (0)
4. Phillies: 82-80- 8 GB (-7)
5. Cubs: 77-85- 13 GB (+4)
6. Mets: 68-94- 22 GB (+3)

Note: The Expos won their season series with the Cardinals 10-8, so their playoff will take place at Olympic Stadium.

West- The Los Angeles Dodgers take their ninth division crown overall and their fifth in the last six seasons, improving by two games (88-74 to 90-72) and beating the Braves by five. Atlanta sheds four games, from 89-73 to 85-77. The Padres break .500 for the first time ever, finishing at 83-79 (a two-game improvement) and taking third from the Giants, who drop a division-worst eight games (87-75 to 79-83) and end up in fourth.

The big news at the bottom is that the Reds avoid a hundred-loss season with a division-high six-game surge (61-101 to 67-95). Unfortunately, they still bring up the rear, twenty-three games behind Los Angeles. In so doing, they finish under .500 for the first time since 1957 and in last place for the first time since 1948.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 90-72 (+2)
2. Braves: 85-77- 5 GB (-4)
3. Padres: 83-79- 7 GB (+2)
4. Giants: 79-83- 11 GB (-8)
5. Astros: 75-87- 15 GB (-2)
6. Reds: 67-95- 23 GB (+6)

As Western Division champions, the Dodgers will have home field advantage over either the Cardinals or Expos in the NLCS.

Now let's take a look at the American League:

East- The real-life epic battle for the division crown between the Brewers and the Orioles never materializes, as Harvey's Wallbangers roll over the Birds by seven games to take their first-ever Eastern title; they improve by two (95-67 to 97-65) while the O's drop off by four (94-68 to 90-72). The Tigers hold off the Red Sox for third with a three-game improvement (83-79 to 86-76), leaving the Bosox in fourth after a four-game drop (89-73 to 85-77).

At the bottom, the fifth-place Yankees' one-game bump (79-83 to 80-82) isn't enough to earn them a winning season, while the real-life tie for sixth between the Blue Jays and the Indians is resolved in favor of the Jays, who fall off by two games (78-84 to 76-86) as opposed to the Tribe's four (78-84 to 74-88).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Brewers: 97-65 (+2)
2. Orioles: 90-72- 7 GB (-4)
3. Tigers: 86-76- 11 GB (+3)
4. Red Sox: 85-77- 12 GB (-4)
5. Yankees: 80-82- 17 GB (+1)
6. Blue Jays: 76-86- 21 GB (-2)
7. Indians: 74-88- 23 GB (-4)

West- The Angels roll to their third Western crown as well, improving by two games to finish at 95-67, which is good for a six-game win over the second-place White Sox. The Chisox improve by two as well (87-75 to 89-73), while the Royals fall by two (90-72 to 88-74) and end up third instead of second. The Mariners attain the highest finish to date by either of the '77 expansion teams when they come in fourth (74-88, two-game drop).

The big story at the bottom is the Twins' five-game surge (60-102 to 65-97) which moves them past the frozen Rangers (64-98) and into sixth place. Meanwhile, Billyball's final year in Oakland produces a fifth-place finish and a record of 69-93, which is a meaningless one-game improvement.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Angels: 95-67 (+2)
2. White Sox: 89-73- 6 GB (+2)
3. Royals: 88-74- 7 GB (-2)
4. Mariners: 74-88- 21 GB (-2)
5. Athletics: 69-93- 26 GB (+1)
6. Twins: 65-97- 30 GB (+5)
7. Rangers: 64-98- 31 GB (0)

The Brewers came from down two games to none in the ALCS to beat the Angels in five games and claim their first-ever American League pennant. They'll meet the winner of the Cardinals/Expos-Dodgers NLCS in the World Series, and the National League champion will have home field advantage.

Next: We examine 1983.

Thoughts?
 
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Garrett Garlits

Now let's take a look at 1983. We begin in the National League:

East- The Phils rebound from their shaky 1982 to take their sixth division crown. They drop two games (90-72 to 88-74), but still take the title by four over the second-place Expos, who improve by two (82-80 to 84-78) and take second from the Pirates, who go the other way (84-78 to 82-80). The Bucs thus finish in third, six games off the pace.

The big news at the bottom of the division is the eight-game improvement of the Cubs, who move from 71-91 and fifth place to 79-83 and fourth. The Cards thus fall to fifth despite dropping only one game (79-83 to 78-84). The Mets continue their awful run, finishing last despite a one-game improvement (68-94 to 69-93). They've now finished last five times in the last eight seasons.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Phillies: 88-74 (-2)
2. Expos: 84-78- 4 GB (+2)
3. Pirates: 82-80- 6 GB (-2)
4. Cubs: 79-83- 9 GB (+8)
5. Cardinals: 78-84- 10 GB (-1)
6. Mets: 69-93- 19 GB (+1)

West- We have a title change, as the Atlanta Braves take their second Western Division title in this timeline and will go back to the postseason for the first time since the end of their Milwaukee dynasty in 1959. They improve by four games (88-74 to 92-70) and take the crown by six over the Dodgers, who slide by five (91-71 to 86-76) but hold on to second. The Astros drop by four (85-77 to 81-81) and end up tied for third with the Padres, who don't move.

The Giants improve by a game (79-83 to 80-82) but still narrowly miss .500, while the Reds finish last for the second consecutive year and give themselves over ninety losses in the process with a three-game slide (74-88 to 71-91).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 92-70 (+4)
2. Dodgers: 86-76- 6 GB (-5)
3. (tie) Astros: 81-81- 11 GB (-4)
(tie) Padres: 81-81- 11 GB (0)
5. Giants: 80-82- 12 GB (+1)
6. Reds: 71-91- 21 GB (-3)

The Brraves and Phils will meet in the NLCS, with home field advantage going to the Phils as the Eastern Division champions.

Now let's go to the American League:

West- The White Sox take the West for the second time with a record of 96-66, a three-game dropoff. They still roll over the second-place Rangers by eleven games despite Texas's division-high eight-game upswing (77-85 to 85-77). It's another ten games back to the third-place Halos, who improve by five (70-92 to 75-87) to take third away from the Royals. The Royals end up dropping five (79-83 to 74-88) and falling into a fourth-place tie with the A's, who stay where they are at 74-88.

The Twins freeze as well at 70-92, which leaves the basement to the Mariners as usual. They improve by a game (60-102 to 61-101) but still finish thirty-five games back of the Pale Hose.

East- The Birds rule the roost once more, taking their ninth Eastern Division title with a mark of 96-66, a two-game falloff. That bests the Tigers, who stand pat at 92-70, by four games. From there, we have a tie for third at 88-74, as the Yankees fall by three from 91-71 and the Jays dip by one from 89-73. This is Toronto's highest finish since they joined the American League in 1977.

The defending champion Brewers can do no better than fifth despite an 87-75 season (freeze). The sixth-place Red Sox fall by two (78-84 to 76-86) while the Indians bring up the rear for the first time in ten years despite a three-game improvement (70-92 to 73-89).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Orioles: 96-66 (-2)
2. Tigers: 92-70- 4 GB (0)
3. (tie) Yankees: 88-74- 8 GB (-3)
(tie) Blue Jays: 88-74- 8 GB (-1)
5. Brewers: 87-75- 9 GB (0)
6. Red Sox: 76-86- 20 GB (-2)
7. Indians: 73-89- 23 GB (+3)

The Birds defeated the Chisox three games to one in the ALCS to win their ninth American League pennant. They'll take on the winner of the NLCS between the Phillies and the Braves in the World Series, where they'll have home field advantage as the American League champions.

Next: We look at 1984.

Thoughts?
 
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