Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe 1871-Present

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1984, beginning in the National League:

East- The Cubs' feel-good story stays intact, as they take their third Eastern Division title and first since 1970 despite dropping five games (96-65 to 91-70). They triumph by four and a half over, of all people, the Pirates, who jump up all the way from last with a division-best twelve-game surge (75-87 to 87-75) fueled by the league's best pitching staff. The defending champion Phils improve by three (81-81 to 84-78) to grab third.

At the bottom, a four-game improvement (78-83 to 82-79) gives the fourth-place Expos a winning season, and the Cards give the East its first year with five teams over .500 despite a two-game slide (84-78 to 82-80). And then there are the Mets, who drop a division-worst dozen games (90-72 to 78-84) and thus exchange places with the Bucs for yet another cellar finish.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cubs: 91-70 (-5)
2. Pirates: 87-75- 4.5 GB (+12)
3. Phillies: 84-78- 7.5 GB (+3)
4. Expos: 82-79- 9 GB (+4)
5. Cardinals: 82-80- 9.5 GB (-2)
6. Mets: 78-84- 13.5 GB (-12)

West- We have a change at the top, as the Houston Astros win their second division title, nipping the Padres at the wire on the strength of an eight-game upswing (80-82 to 88-74). Their margin of victory is a game, as the Pads drop five (92-70 to 87-75) and finish second. The defending champion Braves and the Dodgers finish tied for third, as Atlanta drops a pair of games (80-82 to 78-84) while the Men in Blue fall off by one (79-83 to 78-84).

The Giants get out of the basement with a three-game surge (66-96 to 69-93). This dooms the Reds to their third consecutive last-place finish (68-94, two-game drop), and marks the first time that they've finished last three years running since 1932-34.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Astros: 88-74 (+8)
2. Padres: 87-75- 1 GB (-5)
3. (tie) Braves: 78-84- 10 GB (-2)
(tie) Dodgers: 78-84- 10 GB (-1)
5. Giants: 69-93- 19 GB (+3)
6. Reds: 68-94- 20 GB (-2)

The Cubs will meet the Astros in the NLCS, with home field advantage going to the Stros as Western Division champs.

Now to the American League:

East- The Tigers aren't quite as dominant as they were in real life; they drop five games, from 104-58 to 99-63. But they still take their first-ever Eastern Division title by ten games over the second-place Yankees. The Yanks and Blue Jays switch places, with New York's two-game upswing (87-75 to 89-73) bumping them up to second and the Jays' two-game slip (89-73 to 87-75) dropping them back to third. The Red Sox hold on to fourth after a one-game downgrade (86-76 to 85-77).

The defending champion Orioles check in fifth (83-79, two game slide) while the Indians improve by a division-high six (75-87 to 81-81) to give the East six teams that finish .500 or better. Only the Brew Crew misses the boat (71-90, four-game improvement).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Tigers: 99-63 (-5)
2. Yankees: 89-73- 10 GB (+2)
3. Blue Jays: 87-75- 12 GB (-2)
4. Red Sox: 85-77- 14 GB (-1)
5. Orioles: 83-79- 16 GB (-2)
6. Indians: 81-81- 18 GB (+6)
7. Brewers: 71-90- 27.5 GB (+4)

West- This might just be the most crowded pennant race to date. First of all, we have a rare double change on top, as the Minnesota Twins and California Angels each freeze at 81-81 while the Royals fall by four (84-78 to 80-82) The end result is that we'll need a one-game playoff to determine the Western Division champion, just the third playoff in American League history.

Another group of three teams contests places four through six, and the A's and White Sox end up tying for fourth at 75-87 when the A's drop two games from 77-85 while the Pale Hose improve a notch from 74-88. The Rangers finish just a half-game behind those two teams at 74-87 after a five-game hike that lifts them past the Mariners and out of the cellar. The M's, for their part, drop a pair (74-88 to 72-90). Just nine games separate all seven teams in what is almost surely the tightest top-to-bottom race in the divisional era so far.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. (tie) Twins: 81-81 (0)
(tie) Angels: 81-81 (0)
3. Royals: 80-82- 1 GB (-4)
4. (tie) Athletics: 75-87- 6 GB (-2)
(tie) White Sox: 75-87- 6 GB (+1)
6. Rangers: 74-87- 6.5 GB (+5)
7. Mariners: 72-90- 9 GB (-2)

Note: The Twins won their season series with the Angels 9-4, so their playoff will take place at the Metrodome.

The Tigers will meet the winner of the one-game playoff between the Angels and the Twins in the ALCS, where they'll have home field advantage. Whoever wins that series will go on to meet the winner of the NLCS between the Cubs and the Astros, in which the National League champion will have home field advantage.

Next: We skip ahead to 1987.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1987, beginning in the National League:

East- We have a title change, as the New York Mets go back-to-back, taking the crown with a mark of 93-69, a one-game improvement. The Cardinals dip by four (95-67 to 91-71) to finish two games out in second, while the Expos' eight-game nosedive (91-71 to 83-79) doesn't cost them third.

At the bottom, the fourth-place tie between the Pennsylvania teams is resolved in favor of the Buccos, who drop just one game (80-82 to 79-83) while the Phils shed four to finish 76-86. The Bucs finish fourteen games off the pace. The Cubs finish last for the second year in a row (73-88, three-game drop).

interesting fact: The Mets are the only team in the East that improves this year.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mets: 93-69 (+1)
2. Cardinals: 91-71- 2 GB (-4)
3. Expos: 83-79- 10 GB (-8)
4. Pirates: 79-83- 14 GB (-1)
5. Phillies: 76-86- 17 GB (-4)
6. Cubs: 73-88- 19.5 GB (-3)

West- The Giants take their first-ever division crown with a mark of 93-69, a three-game uptick. This increases their victory margin over the Reds (who stay at 84-78) to nine games. The defending champion Astros improve by two games (76-86 to 78-84) and stay third.

The Dodgers repeat their record, improvement, and placing from the prior year (76-86, three games, fourth). The Braves escape the basement, finishing fifth and improving by four (69-92 to 73-88), while the Padres stay in the cellar despite improving by six (65-97 to 71-91).

Interesting fact: There were no regressions in the West this year. Everyone except the Reds (who stood pat) improved.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 93-69 (+3)
2. Reds: 84-78- 9 GB (0)
3. Astros: 78-84- 15 GB (+2)
4. Dodgers: 76-86- 17 GB (+3)
5. Braves: 73-88- 19.5 GB (+4)
6. Padres: 71-91- 22 GB (+6)

The Mets and Giants will meet in the NLCS, with the Mets having home field advantage as the Eastern Division champions.

Now for our look at the American League:

East- We have a change on top, as the Toronto Blue Jays capture their second Eastern crown in three years and third overall with a mark of 100-62, which is a four-game improvement. The Tigers drop two games (98-64 to 96-66), which means that the Jays' final margin of victory is four. The third-place Brewers take a six-game bath (91-71 to 85-77), while the fourth-place Yankees slide by five (89-73 to 84-78).

The bottom sees the defending champion Red Sox remain fifth after a division-high five-game improvement (78-84 to 83-79) while the Birds freeze in sixth at 67-95 and the Tribe loses a hundred games despite a one-game bump (61-101 to 62-100).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 100-62 (+4)
2. Tigers: 96-66- 4 GB (-2)
3. Brewers: 85-77- 15 GB (-6)
4. Yankees: 84-78- 16 GB (-5)
5. Red Sox: 83-79- 17 GB (+5)
6. Orioles: 67-95- 33 GB (0)
7. Indians: 62-100- 38 GB (+1)

West- We have another change in the West, as the Kansas City Royals tame the West for the sixth time with a record of 84-78, improving by a game to take the crown over the A's, who are bumped by two (81-81 to 83-79) and finish second. The White Sox upgrade by four to finish third at .500 exactly, and then come the Twins, who drop a division-high six games (85-77 to 79-83) and fall from first all the way to a tie for fourth with the Rangers, who improve by four from 75-87 and thus settle their real-life tie with the Angels for fifth, as the Halos only manage a three-game hike (75-87 to 78-84).

This leaves the Mariners last again, as they drop a game (78-84 to 77-85), but finish just seven games behind the Royals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Royals: 84-78 (+1)
2. Athletics: 83-79- 1 GB (+2)
3. White Sox: 81-81- 3 GB (+4)
4. (tie) Twins: 79-83- 5 GB (-6)
(tie) Rangers: 79-83- 5 GB (+4)
6. Angels: 78-84- 6 GB (+3)
7. Mariners: 77-85- 7 GB (-1)

The Jays and Royals will meet in an ALCS rematch from two years ago, with the Royals having home field advantage as the Western Division champions. The winner will meet the winner of the Mets-Giants NLCS in the World Series, and they'll have home field advantage as the American League champions.

Next: We jump to 1989.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1989, beginning in the National League:

East- The New York Mets take their fourth straight division title, improving by four games (87-75 to 91-71) to overtake the Cubs, who dip by three (93-69 to 90-72) and finish second a game out. The Cardinals fall off by two (86-76 to 84-78) but still hang on to third.

At the bottom, the Expos let the deal stand at .500 and fourth place, while the Bucs improve by two (74-88 to 76-86), but remain in fifth, fifteen games off the pace. The Phils keep up their old habit, finishing in the basement despite a three-game bump (67-95 to 70-92), that still leaves them twenty-one games behind the Amazins. That's basement finish number twenty-seven for the Fightins.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mets: 91-71 (+4)
2. Cubs: 90-72- 1 GB (-3)
3. Cardinals: 84-78- 7 GB (-2)
4. Expos: 81-81- 10 GB (0)
5. Pirates: 76-86- 15 GB (+2)
6. Phillies: 70-92- 21 GB (+3)

West- The Giants freeze at 92-70, and that's good enough to get them their second division crown in three years. Their margin of victory over their California brethren the Padres and Dodgers is nine games, as the two Southern California teams finish in a virtual tie. The Men in Blue improve by five games (77-83 to 82-78), while the Friars slide by six (89-73 to 83-79).

The bottom sees another six-game improvement by the cellar-dwelling Braves (63-97 to 69-91), the biggest in the division, and a seven-game tailspin by the Astros (86-76 to 79-83), also the biggest in the division and one that drops them from third place to fourth. The Braves have now finished last four times in the last five years.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 92-70 (0)
2. (tie) Padres: 83-79- 9 GB (-6)
(tie) Dodgers: 82-78- 9 GB (+5)
4. Astros: 79-83- 13 GB (-7)
5. Reds: 74-88- 18 GB (-1)
6. Braves: 69-91- 22 GB (+6)

The Mets and Giants will meet in the NLCS for the second time in three years, and as was the case two years ago, the Mets will have home field advantage as the Eastern Division champions.

Now let's look at the American League:

East- The Blue Jays take their third Eastern Division title in five seasons with a mark of 90-72, a one-game improvement. The second-place Red Sox finish five games out after a two-game bump (83-79 to 85-77), while the Brewers improve by three (81-81 to 84-78) and take third. The Orioles tumble from second to fourth after a four-game slide (87-75 to 83-79).

The bottom sees the Indians switch places with the Yankees, with the Tribe moving up to fifth after a two-game hike (73-89 to 75-87) while the Yankees drop by three (74-87 to 71-90) and finish sixth. The last-place Tigers move up by two (59-103 to 61-101) but still finish twenty-nine games behind the Jays.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 90-72 (+1)
2. Red Sox: 85-77- 5 GB (+2)
3. Brewers: 84-78- 6 GB (+3)
4. Orioles: 83-79- 7 GB (-4)
5. Indians: 75-87- 15 GB (+2)
6. Yankees: 71-90- 18.5 GB (-3)
7. Tigers: 61-101- 29 GB (+2)

West- The A's go back-to-back, taking their seventh Western crown with a record of 97-65, a deficit of two games. They defeat the second-place Angels (92-70, one-game bump) by five. The Royals slip from second to third after they shed five games (92-70 to 87-75), and the Twins jump over the Rangers and into fourth with a one-game improvement that makes them .500 on the button.

Texas's four-game slide (83-79 to 79-83) costs them a winning season and pushes them down to fifth; the bottom two teams each improve significantly. The sixth-place Mariners add four games (73-89 to 77-85), while the last-place Chisox add a division-leading six (69-92 to 75-86).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 97-65 (-2)
2. Angels: 92-70- 5 GB (+1)
3. Royals: 87-75- 10 GB (-5)
4. Twins: 81-81- 16 GB (+1)
5. Rangers: 79-83- 18 GB (-4)
6. Mariners: 77-85- 20 GB (+4)
7. White Sox: 75-86- 21.5 GB (+6)

The A's defeated the Jays four games to one in the ALCS to win their thirteenth American League pennant. They'll meet the winner of the Mets-Giants NLCS in the World Series, where they'll have home field advantage as the American League champion.

Next: We move into the nineties with a look at 1990.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1990, beginning in the National League:

East- We have a title change, as the New York Mets become the first team in NL history to win five division titles in a row. They improve by a division-high seven games (91-71 to 98-64) to take the title by five games over the Pirates, who drop by two (95-67 to 93-69) and finish second, ten games ahead of the third-place Expos (89-73, four-game improvement).

At the bottom, the real-life tie for fourth between the Cubs and Phillies is resolved in favor of the North Siders; they drop four games (77-85 to 73-89), while the Phils drop five. The Redbirds are immobile in last place at 70-92, twenty-eight games behind the New Yorkers, who become the first team to claim five NL championships of any sort in a row since the Dodgers won five straight flags between 1949 and 1953.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mets: 98-64 (+7)
2. Pirates: 93-69- 5 GB (-2)
3. Expos: 89-73- 9 GB (+4)
4. Cubs: 73-89- 25 GB (-4)
5. Phillies: 72-90- 26 GB (-5)
6. Cardinals: 70-92- 28 GB (0)

West- The Nasty Boys of Cincinnati storm the joint and take the title with a mark of 92-70, which is a one-game improvement. That's good enough for a six-game win over the Dodgers, who are frozen in second place at 86-76. This is the Reds' sixth Western Division title and their first since 1979. The Giants drop three games (85-77 to 82-80) and finish third.

At the bottom, the Padres' division-leading six-game improvement nets them a .500 record and fourth place. The fifth-place Astros fall by four (75-87 to 71-91), and the Braves finish in the cellar for the fifth time in six years despite a two-game bump (65-97 to 67-95).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Reds: 92-70 (+1)
2. Dodgers: 86-76- 6 GB (0)
3. Giants: 82-80- 10 GB (-3)
4. Padres: 81-81- 11 GB (+6)
5. Astros: 71-91- 21 GB (-4)
6. Braves: 67-95- 25 GB (+2)

The Mets and Reds will clash in the NLCS, with the Reds having home field advantage as the Western Division champs.

Now let's move to the American League:

East- We have a change on top, as the Toronto Blue Jays take their fourth division title in the last six years with a six-game spike (86-76 to 92-70). The Red Sox fall off by three (88-74 to 85-77), which makes the Toronto victory margin seven games. The Tigers hold on to third after a two-game bump (79-83 to 81-81) puts them right at .500, while the Indians upgrade by three (77-85 to 80-82) and maintain fourth.

The Brewers improve by four (74-88 to 78-84) to take fifth, while the Orioles improve by a game (76-85 to 77-84) but still drop from fifth to sixth. The big story, though, is the Yankees' second-ever last-place finish and their first since 1913. They end up 65-97, a two-game falloff that leaves them twenty-seven games behind the Blue Jays.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 92-70 (+6)
2. Red Sox: 85-77- 7 GB (-3)
3. Tigers: 81-81- 9 GB (+2)
4. Indians: 80-82- 12 GB (+3)
5. Brewers: 78-84- 14 GB (+4)
6. Orioles: 77-84- 14.5 GB (+1)
7. Yankees: 65-97- 27 GB (-2)

West- The A's win their third Western crown in a row and eighth overall despite a four-game drop (103-59 to 99-63). They still romp by twelve games over the second-place White Sox, who fall off by a division-high seven (94-68 to 87-75). The Royals show the most improvement, going from sixth all the way to third with a five-game upswing (76-85 to 80-81). Then there's a tie for fourth between the Rangers and Angels at 79-83, with Texas dropping four games from 83-79 and California shedding one from 80-82.

Both the sixth-place Mariners (77-85) and the last-place Twins (74-88) stand pat.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 99-63 (-4)
2. White Sox: 87-75- 12 GB (-7)
3. Royals: 80-81- 18.5 GB (+5)
4. (tie) Rangers: 79-83- 20 GB (-4)
(tie) Angels: 79-83- 20 GB (-1)
6. Mariners: 77-85- 22 GB (0)
7. Twins: 74-88- 25 GB (0)

The A's and Jays will clash in the ALCS for the second year in a row, with Toronto having home field advantage as the Eastern Division champions. The winner will meet the winner of the Mets-Reds NLCS in the World Series, where the home field advantage will rest with the National League champion.

Next: We examine 1991.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1991, beginning in the National League:

East- The Buccos break the Mets' five-year stranglehold on the East, taking the title despite dropping three games (98-64 to 95-67). This is good enough for a fourteen-game romp over the second-place Cardinals, who also drop three games to finish exactly at .500. The defending champions improve by three games (77-84 to 80-81), but a rainout that's not made up costs them a chance at .500. This is the sixth Eastern Division title in Pirate history (fifth undisputed).

The biggest difference at the bottom is that the fifth-place Phils drop three games (78-84 to 75-87). The Expos freeze at 71-90 to finish last for the first time in fifteen years.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Pirates: 95-67 (-3)
2. Cardinals: 81-81- 14 GB (-3)
3. Mets: 80-81- 14.5 GB (+3)
4. Cubs: 76-84- 18 GB (-1)
5. Phillies: 75-87- 20 GB (-3)
6. Expos: 71-90- 23.5 GB (0)

West- We have a change, as the Los Angeles Dodgers stand firm at 93-69 and watch the Braves drop two (94-68 to 92-70) to take their eleventh Western Division crown by a game. The defending champion Reds pull off a division-high seven-game improvement (74-88 to 81-81) to move up from fifth to third, helped by a four-game drop from the Padres (84-78 to 80-82) that moves them down to fourth.

The Astros take the Braves' place in the basement despite a four-game improvement (65-97 to 69-93). They still finish twenty-three games behind the Dodgers.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 93-69 (0)
2. Braves: 92-70- 1 GB (-2)
3. Reds: 81-81- 12 GB (+7)
4. Padres: 80-82- 13 GB (-4)
5. Giants: 76-86- 17 GB (+1)
6. Astros: 69-93- 24 GB (+4)

The Bucs and the Bums will meet in the NLCS, with home field advantage belonging to Pittsburgh as the Eastern Division champs.

Now let's go to the American League:

East- The Jays win their third Eastern Division title in a row and fifth in seven seasons despite a three-game slide (91-71 to 88-74). The Brewers finish second two games out after a three-game improvement (83-79 to 86-76). The real-life tie for third between the Tigers and Red Sox persists, as each team drops a game to finish at 83-79, five games behind the Jays.

The bottom of the division sees the fifth-place Yanks hold firm at 71-91, the sixth-place Birds improve by three (67-95 to 70-92) and the last-place Tribe spike by four (57-105 to 61-101). Unfortunately, they still finish twenty-seven games behind Toronto.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Blue Jays: 88-74 (-3)
2. Brewers: 86-76- 2 GB (+3)
3. (tie) Tigers: 83-79- 5 GB (-1)
(tie) Red Sox: 83-79- 5 GB (-1)
5. Yankees: 71-91- 17 GB (0)
6. Orioles: 70-92- 18 GB (+3)
7. Indians: 61-101- 27 GB (+4)

West- The Twins hit the Western summit alone for the first time in twenty-one seasons and the fourth time overall (third undisputed). Their final record is 94-68, a one-game dropoff that leaves them five games in front of the second-place White Sox, who improve by two (87-75 to 89-73). The Mariners manage their first-ever winning season and their highest finish behind budding superstar Ken Griffey Jr., as they finish third at 84-78 (one-game improvement). The Rangers and Royals end up tied for fourth at 82-80, as the Rangers drop three games from 85-77 while the Royals freeze in place.

The sixth-place Angels keep their .500 record as is, while the A's go from first last year to worst this year, bringing up the rear with a 79-83 mark. Their five-game drop brings them down three notches from their real-life fourth-place finish.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Twins: 94-68 (-1)
2. White Sox: 89-73- 5 GB (+2)
3. Mariners: 84-78- 10 GB (+1)
4. (tie) Rangers: 82-80- 12 GB (-3)
(tie) Royals: 82-80- 12 GB (0)
6. Angels: 81-81- 13 GB (0)
7. Athletics: 79-83- 15 GB (-5)

The Twins beat the Jays four games to one in the ALCS to claim the franchise's second American League pennant in Minnesota and sixth overall. They'll take on the winner of the Pirates-Dodgers NLCS in the World Series, where they'll have home field advantage as the American League champions.

Next: We examine 1992.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1992, beginning in the National League:

East- The Bucs shed four games (96-66 to 92-70) but still take their seventh Eastern Division title (sixth undisputed) by three over the Expos, who improve by two games (87-75 to 89-73). Third goes to the Cardinals, who receive a one-game bump (83-79 to 84-78).

The bottom sees the Phils vacate the basement with an eight-game surge that lands them in fourth (70-92 to 78-84), while the Mets plummet back into the cellar for the first time since 1984 despite a three-game improvement that erases a ninety-loss season (72-90 to 75-87). The Cubs fall from fourth to fifth after a one-game slide (78-84 to 77-85).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Pirates: 92-70 (-4)
2. Expos: 89-73- 3 GB (+2)
3. Cardinals: 84-78- 8 GB (+1)
4. Phillies: 78-84- 14 GB (+8)
5. Cubs: 77-85- 15 GB (-1)
6. Mets: 75-87- 17 GB (+3)

West- The Braves take the title after their near-miss out of nowhere against the Dodgers last year, finishing with a mark of 94-68 to win their second divisional crown in history. This represents a four-game slide. The Reds finish second at 87-75 (three-game drop), which gives the Bravos a seven-game margin of victory. The Padres finish third despite a three-game falloff of their own (82-80 to 79-83).

The bottom sees the fourth-place Astros drop by a division-worst seven (81-81 to 74-88), while the defending champion Dodgers finish last for the first time since 1937 despite improving by a division-high of seven (63-99 to 70-92). In the middle, the fifth-place Giants freeze at 72-90.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 94-68 (-4)
2. Reds: 87-75- 7 GB (-3)
3. Padres: 79-83- 15 GB (-3)
4. Astros: 74-88- 20 GB (-7)
5. Giants: 72-90- 22 GB (0)
6. Dodgers: 70-92- 24 GB (+7)

The Braves took a thrilling-seven game NLCS from the Bucs on the famous pinch-hit by Francisco Cabrera and the famous slide of Sid Bream. It's their first pennant since they finished their run of four straight in Milwaukee in 1959 and their twelfth overall as a franchise.

Now let's look at the American League:

East- The Milwaukee Brewers return to the top of the East for the first time in ten years, taking their second division crown with a mark of 96-66, a four-game improvement. The defending champion Blue Jays drop five games (96-66 to 91-71) and finish that many games out. It's five more back to the third-place Orioles, who fall by three (89-73 to 86-76). The Tigers improve by a division-high six (75-87 to 81-81) to finish right at .500 and take fourth away from the Yankees and Indians.

The tie between the Yanks and the Tribe is now for fifth, and it's resolved in the Yanks' favor; they improve by four games (76-86 to 80-82), while the Indians slip by three (76-86 to 73-89). This puts Cleveland into a tie for the basement with the Red Sox, who keep their real-life 73-89 tally.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Brewers: 96-66 (+4)
2. Blue Jays: 91-71- 5 GB (-5)
3. Orioles: 86-76- 10 GB (-3)
4. Tigers: 81-81- 15 GB (+6)
5. Yankees: 80-82- 16 GB (+4)
6. (tie) Indians: 73-89- 23 GB (-3)
(tie) Red Sox: 73-89- 23 GB (0)

West- There's change in the air here too, as the Minnesota Twins successfully defend their crown with a mark of 91-71, a one-game improvement. The Athletics completely spit the bit, dropping a division-high seven games (96-66 to 89-73) and settling for second two games out. The White Sox keep their 86-76 mark and finish third, while the Rangers and Royals tie for fourth at 74-88 after the Rangers improve by three from 71-91 and the Royals by two from 72-90.

The Angels, who had been tied with Kansas City for fifth, fall by two (74-88 to 72-90) and finish sixth by themselves, while the Mariners' third-place finish last year proves to be a fluke, as they settle back into the basement for the ninth time in sixteen seasons despite a five-game improvement (64-98 to 69-93). They end up twenty-two games behind the Twins.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Twins: 91-71 (+1)
2. Athletics: 89-73- 2 GB (-7)
3. White Sox: 86-76- 5 GB (0)
4. (tie) Rangers: 74-88- 17 GB (+3)
(tie) Royals: 74-88- 17 GB (+2)
6. Angels: 70-92- 21 GB (-2)
7. Mariners: 69-93- 22 GB (+5)

The Brewers and Twins will meet in the ALCS, with home field advantage going to the Brewers as Eastern Division champions. The winner will meet the National League champion Atlanta Braves in the World Series, and the Braves will have home field advantage as the National League champions.

Next: We've already covered 1993, 1994 is in its own thread, and I'm going to do a thread about 1995 at some point in the future. Therefore, it's on to 1996.

Thoughts?

 

[Don Corleone]

The Braves take a thrilling-seven game NLCS from the Bucs on the famous pinch-hit by Francisco Cabrera and the famous slide of Sid Bream. It's their first pennant since they finished their run of four straight in Milwaukee in 1959 and their twelfth overall as a franchise.


Thoughts?

I was hoping Pythagoras would butterfly that away.

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Me too, LW, but no such luck. We lost 1990 too, as you may have noticed. 1979 isn't looking all that great either, with the hundred-loss Braves having to beat the Expos at least once for the Bucs to even force a playoff. I guess Greek mathematicians just aren't Pirate baseball fans!

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1996, beginning in the National League:

East- The Braves take the division crown with a league-best mark of 94-68, a dropoff of two games. The Expos improve by one (88-74 to 89-73) and finish five games out in second, while the Marlins remain third despite dropping a game (80-82 to 79-83).

The fourth-place Mets improve by a division-high of seven (71-91 to 78-84) and look a bit more respectable, while the Phils finish last for the twenty-eighth time, freezing at 67-95.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 94-68 (-2)
2. Expos: 89-73- 5 GB (+1)
3. Marlins: 79-83- 15 GB (-1)
4. Mets: 78-84- 16 GB (+7)
5. Phillies: 67-95- 27 GB (0)

Central- The Cardinals take their first Central title, dropping off by two games (88-74 to 86-76) but still beating the Reds and Cubs by five. The Reds stand firm at 81-81, while the Cubs improve by five games to force a tie for second.

The Astros lose a winning season and tumble from second to fourth as a result of a five-game slide (82-80 to 77-85), while the Bucs pull off a three-game improvement (73-89 to 76-86) but still finish last, ten games off the pace.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 86-76 (-2)
2. (tie) Reds: 81-81- 5 GB (0)
(tie) Cubs: 81-81- 5 GB (+5)
4. Astros: 77-85- 9 GB (-5)
5. Pirates: 76-86- 10 GB (+3)

West- The Padres win their first division title ever, finishing with a mark of 90-72, which is a one-game drop, and taking the crown by three games over the Dodgers, who slide by three (90-72 to 87-75). The Rox finish third at exactly .500 (two-game drop), while the Giants finish last despite a three-game upswing (68-94 to 71-91). They end up nineteen games behind San Diego.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Padres: 90-72 (-1)
2. Dodgers: 87-75- 3 GB (-3)
3. Rockies: 81-81- 9 GB (-2)
4. Giants: 71-91- 19 GB (+3)

Wild Card- The Expos prevail over the Dodgers by two games, while the Reds, Cubs, and Rockies finish in a three-way tie eight games back.

The Spos can't play the top-seeded Braves in the opening round, so they'll invade the Murph, while the Braves were upset by the Cardinals in four games. The Redbirds will have home field against the Spos in the NLCS, but will have to open against the Friars in San Diego.

Note: I took the result of the Braves-Cardinals NLDS from the first four games of their real-life matchup in the NLCS.

Now let's move to the American League:

East- The Yankees win their sixth Eastern Division title with a record of 88-74, a four-game falloff. They're still three games clear of the Orioles, who drop three games (88-74 to 85-77). The Red Sox also shed three (85-77 to 82-80) but hold on to third.

Both the Blue Jays and Tigers improve by three, but it doesn't improve them in the standings. The fourth-place Jays go from 74-88 to 77-85, while the last-place Tigers "spike" from 53-109 to 56-106, thirty-two games behind the Yanks.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 88-74 (-4)
2. Orioles: 85-77- 3 GB (-3)
3. Red Sox: 82-80- 6 GB (-3)
4. Blue Jays: 77-85- 11 GB (+3)
5. Tigers: 56-106- 32 GB (+3)

Central- The Indians rule the roost, taking the title with a mark of 96-65, a three-game slide. They're still six and a half games better than the second-place White Sox, who stage a five-game improvement (85-77 to 90-72). The Brew Crew bumps up by a game to finish at .500 on the nose and take third.

The Twins finish fourth with a one-game uptick (78-84 to 79-83), while the Royals bring up the rear despite picking up a pair (75-86 to 77-84).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 96-65 (-3)
2. White Sox: 90-72- 6.5 GB (+5)
3. Brewers: 81-81- 15.5 GB (+1)
4. Twins: 79-83- 17.5 GB (+1)
5. Royals: 77-84- 19 GB (+2)

West- The Rangers improve by two games (90-72 to 92-70) and take their second Western Division title by three and a half over the Mariners, who finish second after a three-game hike (85-76 to 88-73).

The A's hold their ground at 78-84 to finish third, while the Angels drop five games (70-91 to 65-96) and finish twenty-seven games behind the Rangers.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Rangers: 92-70 (+2)
2. Mariners: 88-73- 3.5 GB (+3)
3. Athletics: 78-84- 14 GB (0)
4. Angels: 65-96- 27 GB (-5)

Wild Card- The White Sox win the last AL playoff spot by two games over the Mariners. The Orioles finish third five games out, followed by the Red Sox eight back and the Brewers nine out.

The Pale Hose can't meet the top-seeded Tribe in the first round, so they'll call on the Rangers to kick off one ALDS, while the Yankees take on the Indians at The Jake. Beginning this year, the Division Series will follow the familiar 2-2-1 format, and the four playoff teams will be seeded, with the wild card always fourth.

Next: Our look at 1997.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1997, beginning in the National League:

East- The Braves take their second Eastern Division title in a row, improving by two games in the process (101-61 to 103-59). That's good for a fifteen-game whitewashing of the Marlins and Mets, who finish tied for second. The Fish drop four games (92-70 to 88-74) while the Mets remain unchanged.

The Expos drop a pair (78-84 to 76-86) and remain in fourth, while the Phils finish last for the second year in a row and the twenty-ninth time in their history, dropping four games (68-94 to 64-98) and finishing thirty-nine games behind the Bravos.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 103-59 (+2)
2. (tie) Marlins: 88-74- 15 GB (-4)
(tie) Mets: 88-74- 15 GB (0)
4. Expos: 76-86- 27 GB (-2)
5. Phillies: 64-98- 39 GB (-4)

Central- The Astros take their first Central crown, improving by a division-high nine games (84-78 to 93-69) to blow away the defending champion Cardinals by fourteen. The Cards improve by six (73-89 to 79-83) and take second away from the "Freak Show" Pirates, who drop a game (79-83 to 78-84) and finish fifteen games behind Houston.

The big story at the bottom is the Reds, who take a seven-game plunge (76-86 to 69-93) and fall from third place all the way to the basement, twenty-four games behind the Stros. The Cubs pull off a six-game upswing (68-94 to 74-88) and rise to fourth.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Astros: 93-69 (+9)
2. Cardinals: 79-83- 14 GB (+6)
3. Pirates: 78-84- 15 GB (-1)
4. Cubs: 74-88- 19 GB (+6)
5. Reds: 69-93- 24 GB (-7)

West- The Los Angeles Dodgers win their twelfth Western Division title, improving by three games (88-74 to 91-71) and defeating the second-place Rockies (82-80, one-game drop) by nine games. The Giants take a swan dive from the top of Nob Hill, falling off by ten (90-72 to 80-82) and dropping from first to third. The defending champion Padres, meanwhile, fall off by three and finish in the basement at 73-89, eighteen games in back of their neighbors to the north.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Dodgers: 91-71 (+3)
2. Rockies: 82-80- 9 GB (-1)
3. Giants: 80-82- 10 GB (-10)
4. Padres: 73-89- 18 GB (-3)

Wild Card- The Marlins and Mets finish tied at 88-74, and we'll have a playoff to determine who goes to the postseason. The only other NL team above .500 is the Rockies, who finish eight games off the Wild Card pace.

Whichever team wins the Wild Card will open at the Astrodome, since neither can play the Braves in the first round. This means that the Dodgers will go to Atlanta.

Note: The Mets win their season series with the Marlins 8-4, so their playoff will take place at Shea Stadium.

Now let's go to the American League:

East- The New York Yankees claim their seventh Eastern Division title with a four-game improvement (96-66 to 100-62). While they're improving by four, the Orioles decline by four (98-64 to 94-68), which means that the Yanks prevail by six games. From there, it's fourteen games back to the Tigers and Red Sox, who tie for third at 80-82. The Tigers improve by one game from 79-83, while the Bosox add a pair from 78-84. Next year, the Bless You Boys will call the Central their home, as they make way for the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The Blue Jays finish in the cellar at 77-85 despite a one-game improvement. They end up twenty-three games behind the Pinstripes.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 100-62 (+4)
2. Orioles: 94-68- 6 GB (-4)
3. (tie) Tigers: 80-82- 20 GB (+1)
(tie) Red Sox: 80-82- 20 GB (+2)
5. Blue Jays: 77-85- 23 GB (+1)

Central- The Indians win their second Central crown in a row with a mark of 85-76, a one-game drop. They're the only team in the division to finish over .500, as the second-place White Sox fall off by four games (80-81 to 76-85) and finish nine games out. The Brewers and Royals manage a tie for third at 74-87, as the Brew Crew falls off by four from 78-83 while the Royals improve by a division-high seven from 67-94. This is the Brewers' final season in the American League; next year, they'll be in the National League Central, with the Tigers taking their place here.

The Twins finish in the cellar again despite a five-game improvement (68-94 to 73-89).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 85-76 (-1)
2. White Sox: 76-85- 9 GB (-4)
3. (tie) Brewers: 74-87- 11 GB (-4)
(tie) Royals: 74-87- 11 GB (+7)
5. Twins: 73-89- 12.5 GB (+5)

West- After twenty years, the Mariners finally reach the top of the West, winning their first-ever division title with a record of 89-73, a one-game slip. The Angels change their identifier to Anaheim this year, and mark the occasion by holding on to their 84-78 record and second place, five games out.

The Rangers improve by three (77-85 to 80-82) and hang on to third, while the A's finish last for the twenty-sixth time in their history, standing pat with a 65-97 record, twenty-four games behind Seattle.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mariners: 89-73 (-1)
2. Angels: 84-78- 5 GB (0)
3. Rangers: 80-82- 9 GB (+3)
4. Athletics: 65-97- 24 GB (0)

Identity Change: Angels (California to Anaheim)

Wild Card- The Orioles take the wild card spot in a romp, defeating the Angels (the only other team in the AL over .500) by ten games.

The Birds eliminated the Ms in four games to win one ALDS, while the Indians upset the Yankees in five to win the other. The Indians then claimed their first American League pennant since 1954 and eighth overall by defeating the Os in six games. In the upcoming World Series, the National League champion will have home field advantage.

Next: We move on to 1998.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now for our look at 1998, beginning in the National League:

East- The Braves make it three straight, taking the division crown with their real-life record of 106-56 intact. The Mets also stand pat, finishing second eighteen games back at 88-74. The Phils manage to finish third with a three-game slide (75-87 to 72-90) despite losing ninety games.

The Expos' 67-95 record (two-game improvement) would be bad enough to finish last in most years, but this is the year that the Marlins dismantle their team and lose a hundred and four games (a four-game "upswing"), finishing a heartstopping forty-eight games behind Atlanta.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 106-56 (0)
2. Mets: 88-74- 18 GB (0)
3. Phillies: 72-90- 34 GB (-3)
4. Expos: 67-95- 39 GB (+2)
5. Marlins: 58-104- 48 GB (+4)

Central- The Astros repeat as champions, improving their record by four games to match the Braves at 106-56. The second-place Cubs drop five games (90-72 to 85-77) and finish twenty-one games back, while the Cardinals improve by a game (83-79 to 84-78) to keep third.

At the bottom, the Reds improve by three (77-85 to 80-82) and just miss a winning season, while the Pirates improve by five (69-93 to 74-88) and move up to fifth, but still finish thirty-two games behind the Astros. The Brewers come over from the American League but don't find a warm welcome, as they drop three games and finish 71-91, thirty-five games off the pace.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Astros: 106-56 (+4)
2. Cubs: 85-77- 21 GB (-5)
3. Cardinals: 84-78- 22 GB (+1)
4. Reds: 80-82- 26 GB (+3)
5. Pirates: 74-88- 32 GB (+5)
6. Brewers: 71-91- 35 GB (-3)

Realigned: Brewers (from AL Central)

West- The Padres take their second Western crown in three years with a mark of 93-69, a five-game slide. They hold off the Giants (90-72, two-game improvement) by three games, while the Dodgers take a three-game slide (83-79 to 80-82) but still finish third.

The Rox improve by one (77-85 to 78-84) to keep fourth, and the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks finish last, improving by a game to 66-96 but still ending up twenty-seven games behind the Friars.

FINAL STANDINGS (Expansion team in bold italics):

1. Padres: 93-69 (-5)
2. Giants: 90-72- 3 GB (+2)
3. Dodgers: 80-82- 13 GB (-3)
4. Rockies: 78-84- 15 GB (+1)
5. Arizona Diamondbacks: 66-96- 27 GB (+1)

Wild Card- The Giants don't need a playoff, defeating the Mets by two games. The Cubs finish five back and the Cardinals six out.

The Stros won the season series tiebreaker for home field advantage over the Braves 5-4, so they'll host the Giants to open the first round. The Braves. meanwhile, were swept in three straight by the Padres, who will await the Frisco-Houston winner in the NLCS. They'd have home field against the Giants, but would have to open at the Astrodome against the Stros.

Note: I took the result of the Braves-Padres NLDS from the first three games of their real-life NLCS.

Now let's look at the American League:

East- The Yankees aren't quite as dominant in real life; they fall off by six games to a mark of 108-54, which is still enough to win them their ninth Eastern crown by fourteen games over the second-place Red Sox despite the latter's two-game improvement (92-70 to 94-68). The Blue Jays drop three games (88-74 to 85-77) but still hang on to third comfortably.

At the bottom, the Birds improve by five (79-83 to 84-78) but still can't escape fourth, while the Devil Rays begin their existence by finishing last at 67-95, a four-game upswing which still leaves them forty-one games in back of the Yanks.

FINAL STANDINGS: (Expansion team in bold italics):

1. Yankees: 108-54 (-6)
2. Red Sox: 94-68- 14 GB (+2)
3. Blue Jays: 85-77- 23 GB (-3)
4. Orioles: 84-78- 24 GB (+5)
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: 67-95- 41 GB (+4)

Central- It's three Central titles in a row for the Indians, as they cop the lot with a mark of 87-75, a two-game falloff. No one else in the division comes even close to .500; the second-place White Sox finish twelve games off the pace at 75-87, a five-game drop. The Twins take third after a three-game boost (70-92 to 73-89).

The Tigers and Royals switch places at the bottom, as Detroit's three-game upswing (65-97 to 68-94) is enough to move them up to fourth when combined with Kansas City's division-worst eight-game slide (72-89 to 64-97).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 87-75 (-2)
2. White Sox: 75-87- 12 GB (-5)
3. Twins: 73-89- 14 GB (+3)
4. Tigers: 68-94- 19 GB (+3)
5. Royals: 64-97- 22.5 GB (-8)

Realigned: Tigers (from East)

West- The Rangers take their second Western Division title in three years with a record of 87-75, a one-game drop. The defending champion Mariners put on a five-game spurt (76-85 to 81-80) but still end up in second place, five and a half games back.

The Angels fall from second to third as a result of a four-game slide, but still manage to finish exactly at .500. Finally, the A's close to within three last-place finishes of the Phils' all-time record despite a two-game improvement (74-88 to 76-86).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Rangers: 87-75 (-1)
2. Mariners: 81-80- 5.5 GB (+5)
3. Angels: 81-81- 6 GB (-4)
4. Athletics: 76-86- 11 GB (+2)

Wild Card- The Red Sox run away with the final AL playoff berth, defeating the Blue Jays by nine games. The Orioles finish in third place ten games out, while the Mariners end up fourth twelve and a half back.

The playoffs turned out just as they did in real life: The Yankees swept the Rangers in one ALDS, the Indians defeated the Red Sox three games to one in the other, and the Yanks claimed their twenty-ninth American League pennant with a six-game ALCS win over the Tribe. They'll have home field advantage in the upcoming World Series as the American League champions.

Next: We wrap up the twentieth century with a look at 1999.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 1999. For a change, we'll begin in the American League:

East- The Yanks win their fourth Eastern title in a row and tenth overall with a mark of 96-66, a two-game drop. This gives them a four-game victory over the second-place Red Sox, who also drop a pair (94-68 to 92-70). The Orioles' six-game spike (78-84 to 84-78) leapfrogs them over the Blue Jays and into third.

The Jays drop just one game (84-78 to 83-79) but still finish fourth, while the Devil Rays bring up the rear once more, freezing at 69-93, twenty-seven games behind the Yankees.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 96-66 (-2)
2. Red Sox: 92-70- 4 GB (-2)
3. Orioles: 84-78- 12 GB (+6)
4. Blue Jays: 83-79- 13 GB (-1)
5. Devil Rays: 69-93- 27 GB (0)

Central- Despite a four-game drop (97-65 to 93-69), the Indians romp to their fourth consecutive Central Division title. The second-place Royals pull off a stunning eleven-game improvement (64-97 to 75-86), but that still leaves them seventeen and a half games off the Tribe's trail. The Pale Hose drop three games (75-86 to 72-89) and fall from second to third.

The Tigers shed a game (69-92 to 68-93) and skid from third to fourth, while the Twins improve by two (63-97 to 65-95) but still finish in the cellar, twenty-seven games behind Cleveland.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 93-69 (-4)
2. Royals: 75-86- 17.5 GB (+11)
3. White Sox: 72-89- 20.5 GB (-3)
4. Tigers: 68-93- 24.5 GB (-1)
5. Twins: 65-95- 27 GB (+2)

West- The Rangers repeat as Western champions and take their third division crown in four years despite a division-worst seven-game drop (95-67 to 88-74). Their victory margin over the second-place A's, who fall off by two (87-75 to 85-77) is three games.

The Mariners hold on to third despite a two-game falloff (79-83 to 77-85) while the Angels bring up the rear, content with their 70-92 mark. They finish eighteen games behind the Rangers.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Rangers: 88-74 (-7)
2. Athletics: 85-77- 3 GB (-2)
3. Mariners: 77-85- 11 GB (-2)
4. Angels: 70-92- 18 GB (0)

Wild Card- The Red Sox prevail by seven games over the A's. The Orioles finish third eight games back and the Blue Jays fourth nine games out.

Again, the playoffs turned out as they did in real life. The Yankees swept the Rangers for the second year in a row in one ALDS, while the Red Sox outlasted the Indians in five games to win the other. The Pinstripes then claimed their twenty-ninth American League pennant by beating the Red Sox four games to one in the ALCS. The National League champion will have home field advantage in the upcoming World Series.

Now let's move to the National League:

East- The Braves claim their fourth straight Eastern Division crown. They drop five games (103-59 to 98-64), but that's still good for a four-game victory over the Mets, who drop two (96-66 to 94-68). The third-place Phils improve by four to finish right at .500.

Not much going on at the bottom, as only the last-place Marlins move at all, improving by two games (64-98 to 66-96).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 98-64 (-5)
2. Mets: 94-68- 4 GB (-2)
3. Phillies: 81-81- 17 GB (+4)
4. Expos: 68-94- 30 GB (0)
5. Marlins: 66-96- 32 GB (+2)

Central- We end up with a tie at the top between the Astros and Cincinnati Reds at 96-66. The Reds stand pat, while the Stros drop a game. Under the rules in place, the winner of the season series takes the title, so it's crown number one for Cincy, who won the season series nine games to four. The third-place Pirates improve by two (78-83 to 80-81) and are just a forgotten rainout away from their first .500 record in seven years. They finish fifteen and a half games behind the Reds.

The fourth-place Cardinals improve by three (75-86 to 78-83) to highlight the action at the bottom, while the Cubs drop a game (67-95 to 66-96) to fall deeper into the basement, thirty games behind the Reds.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Reds: 96-66 (0)
2. Astros: 96-66 (-1)
3. Pirates: 80-81- 15.5 GB (+3)
4. Cardinals: 78-83- 17.5 GB (+3)
5. Brewers: 74-87- 21.5 GB (0)
6. Cubs: 66-96- 30 GB (-1)

West- The D-Backs have the best second year of any NL team since the modern expansion era began in 1962, improving by two games (100-62 to 102-60) and making a shambles of the West. The second-place Giants (85-77, one-game drop) finish seventeen games off the pace. The Dodgers improve by five (77-85 to 82-80) to maintain third and earn themselves a winning season.

Both the Padres and Rockies stay put, which means that the last-place Rox finish thirty games behind Arizona.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Diamondbacks: 102-60 (+2)
2. Giants: 85-77- 17 GB (-1)
3. Dodgers: 82-80- 20 GB (+5)
4. Padres: 74-88- 28 GB (0)
5. Rockies: 72-90- 30 GB (0)

Wild Card- The Astros take the Wild Card, which explains why there was no playoff between them and the Reds for the Central title. The Mets finish two games out, and from there it's way back to the Giants (eleven out), Dodgers (twelve out), and Phillies (thirteen out).

The Stros' reward for not beating the Reds often enough is a trip to Phoenix to begin the playoffs against the Snakes, while the Braves and Reds will tee it up at Turner Field.

Next: We greet the new millennium with a look at the year 2000.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at the year 2000, beginning in the American League:

East- The Boston Red Sox end the Yankees' four-year reign, taking their third Eastern Division title with a mark of 86-76, a one-game improvement. The Yankees fall off by two (87-74 to 85-76) and can't get their last rainout against the A's made up before the end of the season, so they fall a half-game short. Another big fall happens in Toronto, where the Blue Jays shed six games (83-79 to 77-85) but still manage to hang on to third.

The fourth-place Orioles drop three games (74-88 to 71-91) and barely outlast the Devil Rays, who improve by one (69-92 to 70-91) and finish just half a game behind them.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Red Sox: 86-76 (+1)
2. Yankees: 85-76- .5 GB (-2)
3. Blue Jays: 77-85- 9 GB (-6)
4. Orioles: 71-91- 15 GB (-3)
5. Devil Rays: 70-91- 15.5 GB (+1)

Central- The White Sox and Indians end up tied for first at 92-70, as the Pale Hose slump by three games from 95-67 while the Tribe improves by two from 90-72. As it turns out, 92-70 is also the record needed to win the wild card (more on that later), so under MLB rules, instead of a playoff to determine the champion we use the season series, and the Chisox prevailed eight games to five. The Tigers improve by two games to finish at .500 exactly and hold down third.

The fourth-place Royals and last-place Twins each keep the records they have, which means that the Royals finish at 77-85 while the Twinkies check in at 69-93, twenty-three games behind the division leaders.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. White Sox: 92-70 (-3)
2. Indians: 92-70 (+2)
3. Tigers: 81-81- 9 GB (+2)
4. Royals: 77-85- 15 GB (0)
5. Twins: 69-93- 23 GB (0)

West- Like the Yankees in the East, the A's triumph by half a game to capture their tenth Western Division title. Their final mark is 92-69, a one-game improvement. The Mariners end up second, as they too improve by a game (91-71 to 92-70).

The Angels fall off by a game to finish third at .500 exactly, while the last-place Rangers hold on to their 71-91 mark, which leaves them twenty-one and a half games behind Oakland.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Athletics: 92-69 (+1)
2. Mariners: 92-70- .5 GB (+1)
3. Angels: 81-81- 11.5 GB (-1)
4. Rangers: 71-91- 21.5 GB (0)

Of course, we will be making up the rainout between the A's and the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. If the A's win, they take the West and the Yanks are out of the playoffs. If the Yankees win, the A's still win the West because they won the season series with the Mariners nine games to four. As for the East, there will be a one-game playoff to determine the winner, since neither team can win the wild card. The Yankees won the season series seven games to six, so under Pythagorean rules the playoff will be held at Yankee Stadium should it be necessary.

Wild Card- The Indians and Mariners are tied at 92-70, so there will be a one-game playoff to determine the winner. The Yankees or Red Sox will finish third, while the Tigers and Angels tie for fourth eleven games out.

Note: The Indians won their season series with the Mariners 7-2, so their playoff will take place at Jacobs Field.

The White Sox will be this year's top seed. If the Mariners win the wild card playoff, they'll open the first round at U.S. Cellular Field while the A's welcome the Eastern Division winner. If the Tribe wins, they can't play the White Sox in the first round, so they'll head out to Oakland while the Pale Hose host the Eastern champ.

Now on to the National League:

East- The Braves drop five games (95-67 to 90-72) but still manage to win their fifth straight Eastern Division crown, which ties the NL record for consecutive championships. The Mets make it close despite dropping a division-worst six games (94-68 to 88-74), finishing two games back in second place. The Marlins drop five (79-82 to 74-87), but hold on to third.

The major news at the bottom concerns the Phils, who escape the basement with a four-game improvement (65-97 to 69-93) that allows them to move up to fourth. The Expos take their place after dropping a game (67-95 to 66-96).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 90-72 (-5)
2. Mets: 88-74- 2 GB (-6)
3. Marlins: 74-87- 15.5 GB (-5)
4. Phillies: 69-93- 21 GB (+4)
5. Expos: 66-96- 24 GB (-1)

Central: The Cardinals drop four games (95-67 to 91-71) but take their second division title by four over the Reds, who improve by two (85-77 to 87-75). The biggest improvement comes from the Astros, who spike by nine games to finish at .500 and move up from fourth to third.

At the bottom, the Brewers stay put at 73-89 and thus back into a tie for fourth with the Pirates, who improve by four (69-93 to 73-89). Both teams finish eighteen games behind St. Louis. The Cubs also improve by four (65-97 to 69-93), but that's not enough to save them from the cellar, twenty-two games behind their archrivals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 91-71 (-4)
2. Reds: 87-75- 4 GB (+2)
3. Astros: 81-81- 10 GB (+9)
4. (tie) Brewers: 73-89- 18 GB (0)
(tie) Pirates: 73-89- 18 GB (+4)
6. Cubs: 69-93- 22 GB (+4)

West- The Giants capture their third Western Division title so far in this timeline, standing pat with their real-life mark of 97-65 to beat the second-place Dodgers by nine games despite the Bums' two-game improvement (86-76 to 88-74). The Rockies' five-game upswing (82-80 to 87-75) cements them in third.

The defending champion D-Backs remain in fourth, freezing at 85-77, while the cellar-dwelling Padres fall off by one (76-86 to 75-87).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 97-65 (0)
2. Dodgers: 88-74- 9 GB (+2)
3. Rockies: 87-75- 10 GB (+5)
4. Diamondbacks: 85-77- 12 GB (0)
5. Padres: 75-87- 22 GB (-1)

Wild Card: Races like this are why the Wild Card was invented. The Mets and Dodgers finish tied at 88-74, so they'll have a playoff to determine who goes to the postseason. The Reds and Rockies are tied for third just a game back, while the D-Backs have to settle for fifth place just three games back. The Stros finish sixth, seven games off the pace.

If the Mets win the Wild Card, they'll open in San Francisco while the Braves travel to Busch Stadium to battle the Cards. If the Dodgers take it, they'll open in St. Louis while the Braves visit the City by the Bay.

Note: The Mets won their season series against the Dodgers 5-4, so their playoff will take place at Shea Stadium.

As an aside, this is the type of postseason baseball fans drool over in theory, but have never seen in practice no matter the universe. We have guaranteed Wild Card playoffs in both leagues, plus a makeup game that could lead to a playoff for a division title, and that's all before the postseason proper begins. The closest parallels I can think of are Pythagorean 1920, when both pennants were decided by playoffs, and 2018 in our timeline, where both the National League Central and the National League West were decided by one-game playoffs.

Next: We move on to 2001.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now for our look at 2001, beginning in the American League:

East- The Yankees are back on top, winning their tenth Eastern Division crown so far in this timeline despite a division-high six-game plunge (95-65 to 89-71). That's still six and a half games better than the Red Sox, who improve by one (82-79 to 83-78). The Blue Jays take a two-game bump (80-82 to 82-80) to hold on to third and get over .500 for the year.

The fourth-place Orioles stage a four-game improvement (63-98 to 67-94), while the Devil Rays finish last for the fourth year in a row (61-101, one-game slip).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 89-71 (-6)
2. Red Sox: 83-78- 6.5 GB (+1)
3. Blue Jays: 82-80- 8 GB (+2)
4. Orioles: 67-94- 22.5 GB (+4)
5. Devil Rays: 61-101- 29 GB (-1)

Central- After a one-year absence, the Indians are back in charge, winning their fifth division title in six years with a mark of 88-74, a three-game slide. The Twins and White Sox finish in a tie at 81-81, seven games off the pace; the Twins drop four games from 85-77, while the Pale Hose fall off by two from 83-79.

The Royals and Tigers switch places at the bottom, thanks mostly to the Royals' four-game hike (65-97 to 69-93). The Tigers can only manage a one-game bump (66-96 to 67-95) and thus finish last, twenty-one games behind Cleveland.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Indians: 88-74 (-3)
2. (tie) Twins: 81-81- 7 GB (-4)
(tie) White Sox: 81-81- 7 GB (-2)
4. Royals: 69-93- 19 GB (+4)
5. Tigers: 67-95- 21 GB (+1)

West- The Mariners' season isn't quite so historic as it is in real life; they take a seven-game plunge, from 116-46 to 109-53. But they still win the West by five games over the second-place A's, who improve by two (102-60 to 104-58). This is Seattle's second division title.

Both the third-place Angels (75-87 to 77-85) and last-place Rangers (73-89 to 75-87) show two-game improvements, but end up forty-two and forty-four games respectively behind the Ms.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mariners: 109-53 (-7)
2. Athletics: 104-58- 5 GB (+2)
3. Angels: 77-85- 42 GB (+2)
4. Rangers: 75-87- 44 GB (+2)

Wild Card- The A's take the spot in a runaway, defeating their nearest competition, the Red Sox, by twenty and a half games. The Blue Jays finish twenty-one and a half out, while the Twins and White Sox end up twenty-two and a half back.

The playoffs happen as in real life, as each Division Series goes five games, with the Yankees besting the A's and the Mariners defeating the Indians. The Yankees then win their thirtieth American League pennant so far by dispatching the Ms in a five-game ALCS. The National League champion will have home field advantage in the upcoming World Series.

Now let's go to the National League:

East- The Braves make it six in a row, improving by two games (88-74 to 90-72) and defeating the second-place Phils by six. The Phils drop two (86-76 to 84-78). The Marlins move up from fourth to third with a five-game surge (76-86 to 81-81) that also assures them of a .500 season. Conversely, the Mets take a nine-game nosedive (82-80 to 73-89) and tumble to fourth.

The Expos take a one-game drop (68-94 to 67-95) for the second year in a row, and finish last for the second year in a row as well, twenty-three games behind Atlanta.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 90-72 (+2)
2. Phillies: 84-78- 6 GB (-2)
3. Marlins: 81-81- 9 GB (+5)
4. Mets: 73-89- 17 GB (-9)
5. Expos: 67-95- 23 GB (-1)

Central- We have a title change, as the St. Louis Cardinals take back-to-back titles by five games over the second-place Cubs. The Cards improve by a game (93-69 to 94-68). as do the Cubs (88-74 to 89-73). The Astros skid by five games (93-69 to 88-74) and finish six games out in third place.

At the bottom, the Brewers improve by a division-high seven games (68-94 to 75-87) but can't get out of fourth. while the fifth-place Reds enjoy a four-game surge (66-96 to 70-92). The Buccos bring up the rear in their first year at PNC Park, freezing at 62-100 and finishing thirty-two games behind the Cardinals.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 94-68- (+1)
2. Cubs: 89-73- 5 GB (+1)
3. Astros: 88-74- 6 GB (-5)
4. Brewers: 75-87- 19 GB (+7)
5. Reds: 70-92- 24 GB (+4)
6. Pirates: 62-100- 32 GB (0)

West- The D-Backs take their second Western crown in three years, improving by three to finish at 95-67. That's good for a nine-game victory over the Giants, who drop four (90-72 to 86-76). The Dodgers and Rockies finish tied for third at 82-80; the Dodgers drop four games, while the Rox spike by a division-high nine. The Padres hold firm at 79-83 and finish last, sixteen games in back of the Snakes.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Diamondbacks: 95-67 (+3)
2. Giants: 86-76- 9 GB (-4)
3. (tie) Dodgers: 82-80- 13 GB (-4)
(tie) Rockies: 82-80- 13 GB (+9)
5. Giants: 79-83- 16 GB (0)

Wild Card- The Cubs fight off the Stros to claim the Wild Card by a game. The Giants finish three games out, followed by the Phils five out. The Dodgers and Rockies finish seven back, and the Marlins finish seventh at .500.

The Cubs will travel to Phoenix to open their Division Series against the Snakes, while the Cards and Braves will renew acquaintances at Busch Stadium.

Next: We move on to 2002.

Thoughts?

 

[Tales Weaver]

Anything from World Series?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Not for a while yet. I've got other projects that take up most of my time. I'll get around to simming the playoffs eventually, though, so stay tuned!

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now let's look at 2002, beginning in the National League:

East- A five-game drop (101-61 to 96-66) doesn't keep the Braves from their seventh straight Eastern Division title. They roll by thirteen games over the second-place Expos, who hold steady at 83-79. The Phils and Mets finish tied for third at 79-82; the Mets improve by four games, while the Fightins fall off by one. The Marlins drop by four (79-83 to 75-87) and finish last, twenty-one games behind the Braves.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 96-66 (-5)
2. Expos: 83-79- 13 GB (0)
3. Phillies: 79-82- 16.5 GB (-1)
(tie) Mets: 79-82- 16.5 GB (+4)
5. Marlins: 75-87- 21 GB (-4)

Central- The Cardinals drop by two (97-65 to 95-67) but still win their fourth Central title by a comfortable eight games over the Astros (87-75, three-game improvement). The Cubs take third with a nine-game improvement (67-95 to 76-86) that elevates them from fifth.

At the bottom, the fourth-place Reds fall off by three (78-84 to 75-87), while the fifth-place Pirates drop by one (72-89 to 71-90), finishing twenty-three and a half games behind the Redbirds. The Brewers improve by five (56-106 to 61-101), but that's not enough to save them from either the basement or a hundred-loss season.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Cardinals: 95-67 (-2)
2. Astros: 87-75- 8 GB (+3)
3. Cubs: 76-86- 19 GB (+9)
4. Reds: 75-87- 20 GB (-3)
5. Pirates: 71-90- 23.5 GB (-1)
6. Brewers: 61-101- 34 GB (+5)

West- We have a title change, as the San Francisco Giants improve by three games (95-66 to 98-63) to win their fourth Western Division crown by three and a half over the Diamondbacks, who drop by three (98-64 to 95-67). The Dodgers fall off by three (92-70 to 89-73) but keep third comfortably.

The Rockies also fall off by three (73-89 to 70-92) but still finish four games ahead of the last-place Padres, who are frozen at 66-96, thirty-two and a half games behind the Giants.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 98-63 (+3)
2. Diamondbacks: 95-67- 3.5 GB (-3)
3. Dodgers: 89-73- 9.5 GB (-3)
4. Rockies: 70-92- 28.5 GB (-3)
5. Padres: 66-96- 32.5 GB (0)

Wild Card- The D-Backs take it by six over the Dodgers, with the Astros finishing eight back and the Expos twelve back.

The Snakes can't play the top-seeded Giants in the first round, so they'll call on the Braves at the Ted. Meanwhile, the Giants eliminate the Cardinals in four games to wrap up a slot in the NLCS, where they'll have home field no matter who they play.

Note: I took the result of the Cardinals-Giants NLDS from the first four games of their real-life NLCS.

Now to the American League:

East- The Boston Red Sox pull off a seven-game improvement (93-69 to 100-62) to win their second Eastern Division title in three years and fourth overall. They nip the second-place Yankees by half a game after the Bronx Bombers take a four-game drop (103-58 to 99-62) and can't make up a rainout at home against the Devil Rays. From there, it's nineteen and a half games back to the third-place Blue Jays, who improve by two (78-84 to 80-82).

Both the fourth-place Orioles (67-95 to 70-92) and the cellar-dwelling Devil Rays (55-106 to 58-103) improve by three games, but finish thirty and forty-one and a half games respectively behind the Bosox.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Red Sox: 100-62 (+7)
2. Yankees: 99-62- .5 GB (-4)
3. Blue Jays: 80-82- 20 GB (+2)
4. Orioles: 70-92- 30 GB (+3)
5. Devil Rays: 58-103- 41.5 GB (+3)

We'll make up the rainout I mentioned above when the time comes. If he Yankees win, we'll have a tie atop the East at 100-62, which is also the record needed to win the wild card. The reason the rainout needs to be made up is that the Yankees would win the East with a victory by virtue of their 10-9 edge against the Red Sox in the season series.

Central: We have yet another division winner who squeaks by with a half-game win, in this case the Twins. Despite their division-worst eight-game plunge (94-67 to 86-75), they take the division title (their first in the Central) over the White Sox solely because they didn't make up a rainout against the Tigers in Detroit. Thus, the Chisox' five-game spike (81-81 to 86-76) is wasted. Elsewhere, the bottom falls out on the defending champion Indians, who fall by two games (74-88 to 72-90) and finish fourteen and a half games behind the Twins.

The fourth-place Royals match the White Sox' five-game surge (62-100 to 67-95) to spare themselves triple-digit losses, while a bad season gets worse for the Tiger. They drop three games and end up with a mark of 52-109, thirty-four games behind Minnesota. The last team in the AL that was this bad or even worse was the 1979 A's, who lost a hundred and ten games.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Twins: 86-75 (-8)
2. White Sox: 86-76- .5 GB (+5)
3. Indians: 72-90- 14.5 GB (-2)
4. Royals: 67-95- 20.5 GB (+5)
5. Tigers: 52-109- 34 GB (-3)

We'll make up the rainout here, too. If the Twins beat the Tigers, they win the Central. If the Tigers win, there will be a one-game playoff to determine the Central winner. Since the Twins won the season series between the two teams 11-8, the playoff would be held at the Metrodome.

West- The Anaheim Angels use a combination of their two-game improvement (99-63 to 101-61) and the seven-game nosedive by the Athletics (103-59 to 96-66) to take their fifth Western Division title. The A's finish five games out in second place.

The Mariners drop a game (93-69 to 92-70) and finish third with a record five and a half games better than that of the Twins. Then we come to the Rangers. who spike by a division-high six (72-90 to 78-84) but still finish last, twenty-three games behind the Halos.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Angels: 101-61 (+2)
2. Athletics: 96-66- 5 GB (-7)
3. Mariners: 92-70- 9 GB (-1)
4. Rangers: 78-84- 23 GB (+6)

The loser of the East will win the Wild Card, as I stated above. The Mariners will finish third, and the White Sox will finish fourth.

We'll find out who plays who in the playoffs once the rainouts and potential tiebreakers are taken care of. The American League champion will have home field advantage in the World Series.

Next: It's on to 2003.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now for our look at 2003, beginning in the National League:

East- Make it eight straight division titles for the Braves, as despite a five-game drop (101-61 to 96-66) they repeat last year's six-game victory over the Phillies, who improve by four (86-76 to 90-72). The Marlins fall from second to third courtesy of a four-game drop (91-71 to 87-75).

At the bottom, the fourth-place Expos lose an over-.500 season by sliding three games (83-79 to 80-82), while the Mets bring up the rear despite a three-game upswing (66-95 to 69-92).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Braves: 96-66 (-5)
2. Phillies: 90-72- 6 GB (+4)
3. Marlins: 87-75- 9 GB (-4)
4. Expos: 80-82- 16 GB (-3)
5. Mets: 69-92- 26.5 GB (+3)

Central- We have a title change, as the Houston Astros improve by seven games (87-75 to 94-68) to take their third Central Division crown by six over the Cardinals (88-74, three-game improvement). The Cubs fall to third, dropping three games from 88-74 to 85-77 and finishing nine games behind Houston.

At the bottom, the Brewers and Reds exchange places, as a six-game plunge (69-93 to 63-99) consigns Cincy to the basement, thirty-one games behind the Astros. The Brewers fall by only two (68-94 to 66-96).

The Buccos improve by a game (75-87 to 76-86), but still finish in fourth place, eighteen games off the pace.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Astros: 94-68 (+7)
2. Cardinals: 88-74- 6 GB (+3)
3. Cubs: 85-77- 9 GB (-3)
4. Pirates: 76-86- 18 GB (+1)
5. Brewers: 66-96- 28 GB (-2)
6. Reds: 63-99- 31 GB (-6)

West- Despite a seven-game plunge (100-61 to 93-68), the Giants take their fifth Western Division title by nine and a half games over the Diamondbacks, who freeze at 84-78. The Dodgers fall off by two (85-77 to 83-79) but still finish third.

At the bottom, the fifth-place Rockies are elevated by four (74-88 to 78-84) while the Padres stay in the cellar despite a two-game bump (64-98 to 66-96).

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Giants: 93-68 (-7)
2. Diamondbacks: 84-78- 9.5 GB (0)
3. Dodgers: 83-79- 10.5 GB (-2)
4. Rockies: 74-88- 19.5 GB (+4)
5. Padres: 66-96- 27.5 GB (+2)

Wild Card- The Phils take this spot by two games over the Redbirds, with the Marlins finishing third three games back. The Cubs finish fourth five games off the pace, the D-Backs fifth six games back, and the Dodgers in sixth place seven games out.

The Phils can't play the Braves in the Division Series, so they'll head down to Houston, while the Giants open against the Braves at Turner Field.

Note: With neither the Cubs nor the Marlins making the playoffs, no one ever hears of Steve Bartman outside of his own family.

Now to the American League:

East- The Yankees survive a five-game skid (101-61 to 96-66) to take their twelfth Eastern Division title. The second-place Red Sox also drop a game (95-67 to 94-68), which means that the Yanks' margin of victory is two games. The Blue Jays improve by a game (86-76 to 87-75) to hold on to third.

The fourth-place Orioles take a three-game bump (71-91 to 74-88), while the Devil Rays improve by five (63-99 to 68-94) but still finish last for the sixth consecutive year, one short of the major league record held by the 1915-21 Athletics. They end up twenty-eight games behind the Yankees.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Yankees: 96-66 (-5)
2. Red Sox: 94-68- 2 GB (-1)
3. Blue Jays: 87-75- 9 GB (+1)
4. Orioles: 74-88- 22 GB (+3)
5. Devil Rays: 68-94- 28 GB (+5)

Central- We have a change on top, as the Chicago White Sox improve by two games (86-76 to 88-74) and make up for last year's frustration by taking the Central Division title away from the Twins, who take a five-game plunge (90-72 to 85-77) and finish second three games out. This is the Chisox' third Central crown. The Royals drop five games as well (83-79 to 78-84), and lose a winning season, but hang on to third place.

The fourth-place Indians enjoy a five-game uptick (68-94 to 73-89), and the last-place Tigers improve by a division high of six (43-119 to 49-113). Unfortunately, they also take their place as the third-worst team in baseball history, behind only the 1899 Spiders and the 1974 Padres, whose World Series era-record of 114 losses they miss by only a game.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. White Sox: 88-74 (+2)
2. Twins: 85-77- 3 GB (-5)
3. Royals: 78-84- 10 GB (-5)
4. Indians: 73-89- 15 GB (+5)
5. Tigers: 49-113- 39 GB (+6)

West- The Seattle Mariners win their third Western Division title by virtue of a four-game improvement (93-69 to 97-65) coupled with a two-game dip by the second-place Athletics (96-66 to 94-68). Their final victory margin is three games.

The third-place Angels improve by three (77-85 to 80-82) and just miss a .500 season, while the Rangers remain in the basement after a two-game slip (71-91 to 69-93). They finish twenty-eight games behind Seattle.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Mariners: 97-65 (+4)
2. Athletics: 94-68- 3 GB (-2)
3. Angels: 80-82- 17 GB (+3)
4. Rangers: 69-93- 28 GB (-2)

Wild Card- We end up with a tie between the Red Sox and A's at 94-68. A one-game playoff is played at the Oakland Coliseum to determine who goes to the postseason, and the A's win 5-4 in twelve innings. Thus, since they can't play the top-seeded Mariners in the first round, they open against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The White Sox and the Mariners will open the other ALDS at Safeco Field.

Note: I took the result of the Wild Card playoff from Game 1 of the real-life Red Sox-A's ALDS.

Since this is the first year of "This one counts", the American League champion will have home field advantage in the World Series due to the AL's victory in the All-Star Game.

Next: We look at 2004.

Thoughts?

 

[Unknown]

And Steve Bartman is better off for that; God, he took a lot of crap he didn't really deserve, IMO...

 

[Garrett Garlits]

I agree. He shouldn't have tried to catch a ball that was still in play, but Cubs fans acted like he was the one and only reason they lost that series. Blowing a three-run lead in Game 6 and not showing up in Game 7 until it was almost too late (they ended up making a game of it but losing 9-6) may have had something to do with it.