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Final 2018 NFL All Pro Selections

Monday, December 31, 2018

Here were the best players in the NFL in the 2018 regular season.

QB
1. D. Brees NO - MVP
2. P.Mahomes KC

RB
1. S.Barkley NYG
2. C.McCaffrey Carol

WR
1. D.Hopkins Hou
2. M.Thomas NO
3. T.Hill KC
4. A.Thielen Min

TE
1. G.Kittle SF
2. T.Kelce KC

C
1. J.Kelce Phi
2. A.Mack Atl

G
1. Z.Martin Dall
2. S.Mason NE
3. M.Yanda Balt
4. J.Bitonio Cle

T
1. D.Bakhtiari GB
2. A.Whitworth LAR
3. J.Staley SF
4. M.Schwartz KC

DE
1. JJ Watt Hou
2. C.Jordan NO
3. C.Campbell Jax
4. M.Garrett Cle

DT
1.A.Donald LAR
2. F.Cox Phi

OLB
1. D.Ford KC
2. J.Clowney Hou
3. V.Miller Den
4. K.Mack Chi

ILB
1. L.Kuechly Carol
2. B.Wagner Sea

CB
1. S.Gilmore NE
2. D.King LAC
3. K.Jackson Hou
4. K.Fuller Chi

S
1. E.Jackson Chi
2. D.James LAC
3. K.Byard Ten
4. J.Adams NYJ


The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (AL, Round Two, Group 6)

Last group

20 of the 32 best teams in AL history are set.

7 Yankees
3 Orioles
2 Red Sox
2 White Sox
2 Astros
1 A's
1 Jays
1 Mariners
1 Tigers

123. 1974 A's (World Champions)
v.
59. 2015 Blue Jays (lost ALCS)

Catcher: Haney (31) v. Martin (32) Winner: Jays-Martin
First Base: Tenace (27) v. Smoak (28) Winner: A's-Tenace
Second Base: Green (33) v. Travis (24) Winner: Jays-Travis
Shortstop: Campaneris (32) v. Goins (27) Winner: A's-Campaneris
Third Base: Bando (30) v. Donaldson (29) Winner: Jays-Donaldson
Left Field: Rudi (27) v. Revere (27) Winner: A's-Rudi
Center Field: North (26) v. Pillar (26) Winner: Jays-Pillar
Right Field: Jackson (28) v. Bautista (34) Winner: A's-Jackson
DH: Washington (19) v. Encarnacion (32) Winner: Jays-Encarnacion
SP1: Hunter (28) v. Dickey (40) Winner: A's-Hunter
SP2: Blue (21) v. Buehrle (36) Winner: A's-Blue
SP3: Holtzman (28) v. Estrada (39) Winner: Jays-Estrada
Closer: Fingers (27) v. Osuna (20) Winner: A's-Fingers
Team Offense: Jays
Team Pitching: A's

A's 9 Jays 8 - back and forth, forth and back, Oakland's pitching advantage the biggest difference between the clubs and that carries the A's into the next round.  

27. 1947 Yankees (World Champions)
v.
91. 1990 A's (lost WS)

-NYY looking for its 8th entrant into the round of 32, the A's just picked up an upset and are looking for another.  

Catcher: Robinson (32) v. Steinbach (28) Winner: NYY-Robinson
First Base: McQuinn (37) v. McGwire (26) Winner: Oak-McGwire
Second Base: Stirnweiss (28) v. Gallego (29) Winner: NYY-Stirnweiss
Shortstop: Rizzuto (29) v. Weiss (26) Winner: NYY-Rizzuto
Third Base: Johnson (28) v. Lansford (33) Winner: NYY-Johnson
Left Field: Lindell (30) v. Henderson (31) Winner: Oak-Henderson
Center Field: DiMaggio (32) v. Henderson (31) Winner: Oak-Henderson
Right Field: Henrich (34) v. Canseco (25) Winner: Oak-Canseco
DH: Keller (30) v. Baines (31) Winner: NYY-Keller
SP1: Reynolds (30) v. Stewart (33) Winner: Oak-Stewart
SP2: Shea (26) v. Welch (33) Winner: Oak-Welch
SP3: Bevens (30) v. Sanderson (33) Winner: Oak-Sanderson
Closer: Page (29) v. Eckersley (35) Winner: Oak-Eckersley
Team Offense: A's
Team Pitching: A's

A's 12 Yankees 5 - not only did the lower seeded team win, they won going away; sweeping the OF and taking every pitching point.  

11. 1969 Orioles (lost WS)
v.
75. 1984 Tigers (won WS)

-this Oriole club is the top seed left in the group

Catcher: Hendricks (28) v. Parrish (28) Winner: Tigers-Parrish
First Base: Powell (27) v. Bergman (31) Winner: Balt-Powell
Second Base: Johnson (26) v. Whitaker (27) Winner: Push
Shortstop: Belanger (25) v. Trammell (26) Winner: Tigers-Trammell
Third Base: Robinson (32) v. Johnson (23) Winner: Balt-Robinson
Left Field: Buford (32) v. Herndon (30) Winner: Balt-Buford
Center Field: Blair (25) v. Lemon (29) Winner: Push
Right Field: Robinson (33) v. Gibson (27) Winner: Balt-Robinson
DH: Etchebarren (27) v. Evans (37) Winner: Push
SP1: Cuellar (32) v. Morris (29) Winner: Balt-Cuellar
SP2: McNally (26) v. Petry (25) Winner: Det-Petry
SP3: Phoebus (27) v. Wilcox (34) Winner: Det-Wilcox
Closer: Watt (28) v. Hernandez (29) Winner: Det-Hernandez
Team Offense: Orioles
Team Pitching: Orioles

Orioles 9 Tigers 5 - Detroit wins the last three pitching matchups, forcing a tie as they headed into the totals - but Baltimore got both of them and advances.

22. 1998 Astros (lost NLDS)
v.
43. 1928 A's (2nd in AL-no playoffs)

-the A's won the first two games in the group, can they leave with a real stranglehold on Group 6?

Catcher: Ausmus (29) v. Cochrane (25) Winner: A's-Cochrane
First Base: Bagwell (30) v. Hauser (29) Winner: Astros-Bagwell
Second Base: Biggio (32) v. Bishop (28) Winner: Astros-Biggio
Shortstop: Gutierrez (28) v. Boley (31) Winner: Astros-Gutierrez
Third Base: Berry (32) v. Foxx (20) Winner: A's-Foxx
Left Field: Alou (31) v. Simmons (26) Winner: Astros-Alou
Center Field: Everett (27) v. Miller (33) Winner: Astros-Everett
Right Field: Bell (29) v. Cobb (41) Winner: Astros-Bell
SP1: Lima (25) v. Grove (28) Winner: A's-Grove
SP2: Reynolds (30) v. Walberg (31) Winner: Astros-Reynolds
SP3: Hampton (25) v. Quinn (44) Winner: A's-Quinn
Closer: Wagner (26) v. Rommel (30) Winner: A's-Rommel
Team Offense: Astros
Team Pitching: Astros

Astros 11 A's 5 - A's won the pitching matchups, but couldn't take the total, add that to Houston's offensive advantage (both Al Simmons and Ty Cobb lose) and the Astros move on.

Next time we see this group:

123. 1974 A's (World Champions)
v.
91. 1990 A's (lost WS)

11. 1969 Orioles (lost WS)
v.
22. 1998 Astros (lost NLDS)

Next time I'm back, it's NL Group 6 as we near completion of the round of 64, their top seed is the 1904 Giants.  

The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (NL, Round Two, Group 5)

Sunday, December 30, 2018


Last group

16 NL Teams are in:

3 Braves
3 Dodgers
2 Reds
2 Cubs
2 Cards
Giants
Phillies
Mets
Pirates

They'll all get chances to add to that total here in group 5.

5. 1942 Cardinals (World Champions)
v.
60. 1934 Giants (2nd in NL-no playoffs)

-the '43 and '44 Cards are already in; if the seeding holds, that'll make three seasons straight in the 32 best NL teams ever.

Catcher: Cooper (27) v. Mancuso (28) Winner: StL-Cooper
First Base: Hopp (25) v. Terry (35) Winner: NYG-Terry
Second Base: Brown (32) v. Critz (31) Winner: StL-Brown
Shortstop: Marion (25) v. Jackson (30) Winner: StL-Marion
Third Base: Kurowski (24) v. Vergez (27) Winner: StL-Kurowski
Left Field: Musial (21) v. Moore (25) Winner: Stl-Musial
Center Field: Moore (30) v. Watkins (34) Winner: StL-Moore
Right Field: Slaughter (26) v. Ott (25) Winner: NYG-Ott
SP1: Cooper (29) v. Hubbell (31) Winner: StL-Cooper
SP2: Beazley (24) v. Schumacher (23) Winner: StL-Beazley
SP3: Lanier (26) v. Fitzsimmons (32) Winner: StL-Lanier
Closer: Gumbert (32) v. Luque (43) Winner: StL-Gumbert
Team Offense: StL
Team Pitching: StL

StL 14 NYG 2 - whoa, that Giants team was seeded the 60th best NL team of all time, it has Hubbell/Ott/Terry - and it just got obliterated.  

28. 1941 Dodgers (lost WS)
v.
92. 1957 Braves (World Champions)

-the '42 Dodgers are in; one of these franchises will get their 4th entrant into the next round.

Catcher: Owen (25) v. Crandall (27) Winner: Mil-Crandall
First Base: Camilli (34) v. Torre (25) Winner: Brook-Camilli
Second Base: Herman (31) v. Schoendienst (34) Winner: Push
Shortstop: Reese (22) v. Logan (31) Winner: Mil-Logan
Third Base: Lavagetto (28) v. Mathews (25) Winner: Mil-Mathews
Left Field: Medwick (29) v. Covington (25) Winner: Brook-Medwick
Center Field: Reiser (22) v. Bruton (31) Winner: Brook-Reiser
Right Field: Walker (30) v. Aaron (23) Winner: Mil-Aaron
SP1: Higbe (26) v. Spahn (36) Winner: Mil-Spahn
SP2: Wyatt (33) v. Burdette (30) Winner: Brook-Wyatt
SP3: Davis (37) v. Buhl (28) Winner: Mil-Buhl
Closer: Casey (27) v. McMahon (27) Winner: Mil-McMahon
Team Offense: Mil
Team Pitching: Brook

Braves 9 Dodgers 6 - the Braves really weren't that close in the overall pitching total, but the matchups worked in their favor and they become the first NL franchise to put 4 teams in the Round of 32.

12. 1901 Pirates (1st in NL-no playoffs)
v.
76. 1951 Dodgers (2nd in NL-no playoffs)

-the 1902 Pirates are already in; the Dodgers get another shot at moving a 4th team forward.


Catcher: Zimmer (40) v. Campanella (29) Winner: Brook-Campanella
First Base: Bransfield (26) v. Hodges (27) Winner: Brook-Hodges
Second Base: Ritchey (27) v. Robinson (32) Winner: Brook-Robinson
Shortstop: Wagner (27) v. Reese (33) Winner: Pit-Wagner
Third Base: Leach (23) v. Cox (31) Winner: Pit-Leach
Left Field: Clarke (28) v. Thompson (27) Winner: Pit-Clarke
Center Field: Beaumont (24) v. Snider (24) Winner: Pit-Beaumont
Right Field: Davis (26) v. Furillo (29) Winner: Push
SP1: Phillippe (29) v. Newcombe (25) Winner: Pit-Phillippe
SP2: Chesbro (27) v.  Roe (35) Winner: Pit-Chesbro
SP3: Tannehill (26) v. Branca (25) Winner: Pit-Tannehill
Closer:  Wiltse (29) v. King (27) Winner: Push
Team Offense: Brook
Team Pitching: Pit

Pittsburgh 9 Brooklyn 5 - the Dodgers can't earn any pitching points and they head home.

21. 1974 Dodgers (lost WS)
v.
85. 1945 Cardinals (2nd in NL-no playoffs)

-the '42, '43, '44 Cards are all into the Round of 32, can '45 join them?

Catcher: Yeager (25) v. O'Dea (32) Winner: LA-Yeager
First Base: Garvey (25) v. Sanders (28) Winner: LA-Garvey
Second Base: Lopes (29) v. Verban (29) Winner: LA-Lopes
Shortstop: Russell (25) v. Marion (28) Winner: Push
Third Base: Cey (26) v. Kurowski (27) Winner: StL-Kurowski
Left Field: Buckner (24) v. Schoendienst (22) Winner: LA-Buckner
Center Field: Wynn (32) v. Adams (30) Winner: LA-Wynn
Right Field: Crawford (27) v. Hopp (28) Winner: LA-Crawford
SP1: Messersmith (28) v. Barrett (30) Winner: LA-Messersmith
SP2: Sutton (29) v. Burkhart (28) Winner: StL-Burkhart
SP3: Rau (25) v. Donnelly (31) Winner: LA-Rau
Closer: Marshall (31) v. Dockins (28) Winner: LA-Marshall
Team Offense: Dodgers
Team Pitching: Push

LA 11 StL 2 - that's a pretty good beating; the Dodgers stick their 4th club into the final 32.

The next time we come back to group 5 -

5. 1942 Cardinals (World Champions)
v.
92. 1957 Braves (World Champions)

12. 1901 Pirates (1st in NL-no playoffs)
v.
21. 1974 Dodgers (lost WS)

When we come back, it's with AL Group 6, its highest remaining seed is the '69 Orioles.




The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (AL, Round Two, Group 5)

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Last group

Half the AL Round of 32 is set:

6 Yankees
2 Orioles
2 Red Sox
2 White Sox
1 A's
1 Jays
1 Mariners
1 Astros

5. 2018 Astros (lost ALCS)
v.
69. 1997 Yankees (World Champions)

-The 2017 are moving forward, will the subsequent team join them?

Catcher: Stassi (27) v. Girardi (32) Winner: Astros-Stassi
First Base: Gurriel (34) v. Martinez (29) Winner: NYY-Martinez
Second Base: Altuve (28) v. Sojo (32) Winner: Astros-Altuve
Shortstop: Correa (23) v. Jeter (23) Winner: NYY-Jeter
Third Base: Bregman (24) v. Hayes (32) Winner: Astros-Bregman
Left Field: Gonzalez (29) v. Raines (37) Winner: Astros-Gonzalez
Center Field: Marisnick (27) v. Williams (28) Winner: Astros-Marisnick
Right Field: Reddick (31) v. O'Neill (34) Winner: NYY-O'Neill
DH: Gattis (31) v. Fielder (33) Winner: NYY-Fielder
SP1: Verlander (35) v. Pettitte (25) Winner: NYY-Pettitte
SP2: Keuchel (30) v. Wells (34) Winner: NYY-Wells
SP3: Cole (27) v. Cone (34) Winner: Push
Closer: Rondon (30) v. Rivera (27) Winner: NYY-Rivera
Team Offense: Astros
Team Pitching: Astros

Astros 9 Yankees 7 - The Astros didn't win any of the individual pitching matchups, but they edged NYY for the total and when you add that to the offensive advantage they move into the Round of 32.

28. 1995 Indians (lost WS)
v.
37. 1938 Yankees (World Champions)

-Indians looking for their first entrant in the next round; three 1930s Yankee teams have advanced already.  

Catcher: Pena (38) v. Dickey (31) Winner: NYY-Dickey
First Base: Sorrento (29) v. Gehrig (35) Winner: NYY-Gehrig
Second Base: Baerga (26) v. Gordon (23) Winner: NYY-Gordon
Shortstop: Vizquel (28) v. Crosetti (27) Winner: NYY-Crosetti
Third Base: Thome (24) v. Rolfe (29) Winner: Cleve-Thome
Left Field: Belle (28) v. Selkirk (30) Winner: Cleve-Belle
Center Field: Lofton (28) v. DiMaggio (23) Winner: NYY-DiMaggio
Right Field: Ramirez (23) v. Henrich (25) Winner: Push
DH: Murray (39) v. Hoag (30) Winner: Cleve-Murray
SP1: Martinez (41) v. Ruffing (33) Winner: NYY-Ruffing
SP2: Nagy (28) v. Gomez (29) Winner: NYY-Gomez
SP3: Hershiser (36) v. Pearson (29) Winner: Cleve-Hershiser
Closer: Mesa (29) v. Murphy (29) Winner: Cleve-Mesa
Team Offense: Yankees
Team Pitching: Indians

Yankees 9 Indians 7 - that Yankee infield was just too much, Cleveland won the last two pitching matchups and the overall pitching, but it wasn't enough and NYY moves their 7th team into the Round of 32.  

117. 1980 Orioles (2nd in AL East-no playoffs)
v.
53. 1921 Yankees (lost WS)

-Either the third Orioles club or the 8th Yankee squad is moving on.  

Catcher: Dempsey (30) v. Schang (31) Winner: Push
First Base: Murray (24) v. Pipp (28) Winner: Orioles-Murray
Second Base: Dauer (27) v. Ward (24) Winner: Yankees-Dauer
Shortstop: Belanger (36) v. Peckinpaugh (30) Winner: Yankees-Peckinpaugh
Third Base: DeCinces (29) v. Baker (35) Winner: Orioles-DeCinces
Left Field: Lowenstein (33) v. Ruth (26) Winner: Yankees-Ruth
Center Field: Bumbry (33) v. Mitchell (26) Winner: Orioles-Bumbry
Right Field: Singleton (33) v. Meusel (24) Winner: Yankees-Meusel
DH: Crowley (33) v. Fewster (25) Winner: Orioles-Crowley
SP1: McGregor (26) v. Mays (29) Winner: Yankees-Mays
SP2: Flanagan (28) v. Hoyt (21) Winner: Yankees-Hoyt
SP3: Stone (32) v. Shawkey (30) Winner: Orioles-Stone
Closer: Stoddard (27) v. Quinn (37) Winner: Orioles-Stoddard
Team Offense: Yankees
Team Pitching: Orioles

Orioles 9 Yankees 8 - closest matchup in the tournament to date; the tiebreaker was within the margin of error, we are talking a % point win for the Orioles.  You want two dead even teams?  Here you go.

108. 1964 Yankees (lost WS)
v.
44.  1934 Tigers (lost WS)

-it's either the 8th Yankee team or the first Detroit representative into the next round.

Catcher: Howard (35) v. Cochrane (31) Winner: Yankees-Howard
First Base: Pepitone (23) v. Greenberg (23) Winner: Tigers-Greenberg
Second Base: Richardson (28) v. Gehringer (31) Winner: Tigers-Gehringer
Shortstop: Kubek (28) v. Rogell (28) Winner: Tigers-Rogell
Third Base: Boyer (27) v. Owen (28) Winner: Tigers-Owen
Left Field: Tresh (25) v. Goslin (33) Winner: Tigers-Goslin
Center Field: Mantle (32) v. White (25) Winner: Yankees-Mantle
Right Field: Maris (29) v. Fox (25) Winner: Yankees-Maris
SP1: Bouton (25) v. Bridges (27) Winner: Tigers-Bridges
SP2: Downing (23) v. Rowe (24) Winner: Tigers-Rowe
SP3: Ford (35) v. Marberry (35) Winner: Yankees-Ford
Closer: Mikkelson (24) v. Auker (23) Winner:Tigers-Auker
Team Offense: Tigers
Team Pitching: Yankees

Tigers 10 Yankees 6 - Detroit really dominates the matchups and cruise into the next round.

Next time we see group 5...

5. 2018 Astros (lost ALCS)
v.
37. 1938 Yankees (World Champions)

117. 1980 Orioles (2nd in AL East-no playoffs)
v.
44.  1934 Tigers (lost WS)

Next time I'm back, it's NL Group 5...led by the 1942 St Louis Cardinals

The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (NL, Round Two, Group 4)

Friday, December 28, 2018

Last group

We wrap the first half of the Round of 64 in the NL with Group 4.  Here's who has advanced so far:

3 Braves
2 Reds
2 Cubs
Giants
Phillies
Mets
Cards
Pirates

The Dodgers have lost each time in 4 attempts to make the next round - they get 3 more shots in this group.

4. 1944 Cardinals (won WS)
v.
61. 1929 Cubs (lost WS)

-the '43 Cards are already in - here's the sequel against a Cub organization trying to put a third representative in the next round.  

Catcher: Cooper (29) v. Taylor (30) Winner: StL-Cooper
First Base: Sanders (27) v. Grimm (30) Winner: StL-Sanders
Second Base: Verban (28) v. Hornsby (33) Winner: Chi-Hornsby
Shortstop: Marion (27) v. English (23) Winner: StL-Marion
Third Base: Kurowski (26) v. McMillan (33) StL-Kurowski
Left Field: Litwhiler (27) v. Stephenson (31) Winner: Chi-Stephenson
Center Field: Hopp (27) v. Wilson (29) Winner: Chi-Wilson
Right Field: Musial (23) v. Cuyler (30) Winner: StL-Musial
SP1: Cooper (31) v. Root (30) Winner: StL-Cooper
SP2: Lanier (28) v. Bush (27) Winner: StL-Lanier
SP3: Wilks (28) v. Malone (26) Winner: Chi-Malone
Closer: Schmidt (28) v. Nehf (36) Winner: StL-Schmidt
Team Offense: StL
Team Pitching: StL

Cards 12 Cubs 4 - that is a well balanced club, not a lot of holes in that Cardinal team

29. 1993 Braves (lost NLCS)
v.
36. 1949 Dodgers (lost WS)

-the '97 and '98 Braves are already through; the Dodgers are getting wiped out so far in this round.

Catcher: Berryhill (29) v. Campanella (27) Winner: Brook-Campanella
First Base: McGriff (29) v. Hodges (25) Winner: Brook-Hodges
Second Base: Lemke (27) v. Robinson (30) Winner: Brook-Robinson
Shortstop: Blauser (27) v. Reese (30) Winner: Brook-Reese
Third Base: Pendleton (32) v. Cox (29) Winner: Atl-Pendleton
Left Field: Gant (28) v. Hermanski (29) Winner: Atl-Gant
Center Field: Nixon (34) v. Snider (22) Winner: Brook-Snider
Right Field: Justice (27) v. Furillo (27) Winner: Atl-Justice
SP1: Maddux (27) v. Newcombe (23) Winner: Atl-Maddux
SP2: Smoltz (26) v. Roe (33) Winner: Brook-Roe
SP3: Glavine (27) v. Hatten (32) Winner: Atl-Glavine
Closer: Stanton (26) v. Palica (21) Winner: Brook-Palica
Team Offense: Brook
Team Pitching: Atl

Dodgers 9 Braves 7 - that Dodger infield gets them their first entrant into the next round; Atlanta needed one more pitching win to force the tiebreak but fell short. 


13. 1942 Dodgers (2nd in NL-no playoffs)
v.
77. 1999 Braves (lost WS)

-we're doing it again; another 1940s Dodger club, another 1990s Braves club.  

Catcher: Owen (26) v. Perez (31) Winner: Brook-Owen
First Base: Camilli (35) v. Hunter (31) Winner: Brook-Camilli
Second Base: Herman (32) v. Boone (30) Winner: Brook-Herman
Shortstop: Reese (23) v. Weiss (35) Winner: Brook-Reese
Third Base: Vaughan (30) v. Jones (27) Winner: Atl-Jones
Left Field: Medwick (30) v. Williams (32) Winner: Brook-Medwick
Center Field: Reiser (23) v. Jones (22) Winner: Atl-Jones
Right Field: Walker (31) v. Jordan (32) Winner: Brook-Walker
SP1: Higbe (31) v. Glavine (33) Winner: Atl-Glavine
SP2: Wyatt (34) v. Millwood (24) Winner: Atl-Millwood
SP3: Davis (38) v. Maddux (33) Winner: Atl-Maddux
Closer: Casey (28) v. Rocker (24) Winner: Atl-Rocker
Team Offense: Brook
Team Pitching: Atl

Dodgers 9 Braves 8 - the Braves did it in this matchup, they swept all the pitching points, forced a tiebreaker - but still lost.  Those Dodger bats are just too much to overcome, and Brooklyn puts back to back squads in the next round.

20. 1953 Dodgers (lost WS)
v.
84. 1972 Reds (lost WS)

-Brooklyn wins back to back games; can they get a stranglehold on Group 4?

Catcher: Campanella (31) v. Bench (24) Winner: Cin-Bench
First Base: Hodges (29) v. Perez (30) Winner: Brook-Hodges
Second Base: Gilliam (24) v. Morgan (28) Winner: Cin-Morgan
Shortstop: Reese (34) v. Concepcion (24) Winner: Brook-Reese
Third Base: Cox (33) v. Menke (31) Winner: Cin-Menke
Left Field: Robinson (34) v. Rose (31) Winner: Brook-Robinson
Center Field: Snider (26) v. Tolan (26) Winner: Brook-Snider
Right Field: Furillo (31) v. Geronimo (24) Winner: Brook-Furillo
SP1: Erskine (26) v. Billingham (29) Winner: Brook-Erskine
SP2: Meyer (29) v. Grimsley (22) Winner: Cin-Grimsley
SP3: Loes (23) v. Nolan (24) Winner: Chi-Nolan
Closer: Hughes (30) v. Carroll (31) Winner: Cin-Carroll
Team Offense: Brook
Team Pitching: Brook

Dodgers 10 Reds 6 - the Reds, unlikely as it sounds, won the last 3 pitching matchups to draw even - then lost both totals and fell.  The Dodgers put their 3rd team into the Round of 32.  

When we see this group again:

4. 1944 Cardinals (won WS)
v.
36. 1949 Dodgers (lost WS)

13. 1942 Dodgers (2nd in NL-no playoffs)
v.
20. 1953 Dodgers (lost WS)

The next time we're back - it's AL Group 5, led by the 2018 Astros.

The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (AL, Round Two, Group 4)

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Last group

12 AL teams have advanced to the Round of 32:

6 Yankees
2 Orioles
2 Red Sox
1 A's
1 Jays

4 more teams join them from Group 4!

125. 2003 Mariners (2nd in AL West-no playoffs)
v.
61. 2002 Angels (World Champions) 

-this is it for both these organizations - one is moving forward and one is totally done

Catcher: Wilson (34) v. Molina (27) Winner: Angels-Molina
First Base: Olerud (34) v. Spiezio (29) Winner: Mariners-Olerud
Second Base: Boone (34) v. Kennedy (26) Winner: Mariners-Boone
Shortstop: Guillen (27) v. Eckstein (27) Winner: Angels-Eckstein
Third Base: Cirillo (33) v. Glaus (25) Winner: Angels-Glaus
Left Field: Winn (29) v. Anderson (30) Winner: Angels-Anderson
Center Field: Cameron (30) v. Erstad (28) Winner: Mariners-Cameron
Right Field: Suzuki (29) v. Salmon (30) Winner: Mariners-Suzuki
DH: Martinez (40) v. Fullmer (27) Winner: Mariners-Martinez
SP1: Moyer (40) v. Ortiz (29) Winner: Mariners-Moyer
SP2: Franklin (30) v. Washburn (27) Winner: Angels-Washburn
SP3: Pineiro (24) v. Appier (34) Winner: Mariners-Pineiro
Closer: Hasegawa (34) v. Percival (32) Winner: Angels-Percival
Team Offense: Angels
Team Pitching: Mariners

Mariners 9 Angels 8 - the dream lives for the 125th seeded Mariners, that Mike Cameron/Ichiro/Edgar trio ripped off three straight matchup wins and Seattle makes the Round of 32.

100. 1905 A's (lost WS)
v.
93. 2017 Astros (World Champions)

-almost a century separating these opponents, 

Catcher: Schrecongost (30) v. McCann (33) Winner: Push
First Base: Davis (31) v. Gurriel (31) Winner: A's-Davis
Second Base: Murphy (28) v. Altuve (27) Winner: Astros-Altuve
Shortstop: Cross (35) v. Correa (22) Winner: Astros-Correa
Third Base: Cross (39) v. Bregman (23) Winner: Astros-Bregman
Left Field: Hartsel (31) v. Gonzalez (28) Winner: A's-Hartsel
Center Field: Hoffman (25) v. Springer (27) Winner: Astros-Springer
Right Field: Seybold (34) v. Reddick (30) Winner: A's-Seybold
DH: Lord (21) v. Beltran (40) Winner: A's-Lord
SP1: Plank (29) v. Fiers (27) Winner: A's-Plank
SP2: Waddell (28) v. Morton (33) Winner: A's-Waddell
SP3: Coakley (22) v. Keuchel (29) Winner: Astros-Keuchel
Closer: Dygert (20) v. Giles (26) Winner: Astros-Giles
Team Offense: Astros
Team Pitching: A's

Astros 9 A's 8 - the Astros needed both of those last pitching matchup wins to force a tiebreak - and then that offensive advantage turned out to be the difference - we're going to get a fun, expected, matchup of 21st century teams in the next round.  One of them will be one of the 16 best teams in the history of the American League.  

116. 1963 White Sox (2nd in AL - no playoffs)
v.
77. 1949 Yankees (World Champions)

-Will we see the first White Sox club to make the final 32 - or the 7th Yankee squad?

Catcher: Martin (26) v. Berra (24) Winner: NYY-Berra
First Base: McCraw (22) v. Henrich (36) Winner: NYY-Henrich
Second Base: Fox (35) v. Coleman (24) Winner: NYY-Coleman
Shortstop: Hansen (25) v. Rizzuto (31) Winner: Sox-Hansen
Third Base: Ward (25) v. Brown (24) Winner: Sox-Ward
Left Field: Nicholson (23) v. Woodling (26) Winner: Push
Center Field: Landis (29) v. DiMaggio (34) Winner: NYY-DiMaggio
Right Field: Robinson (27) v. Mapes (27) Winner: Sox-Robinson
SP1: Peters (26) v. Raschi (30) Winner: Sox-Peters
SP2: Herbert (33) v. Lopat (31) Winner: Sox-Herbert
SP3: Pizarro (26) v. Reynolds (32) Winner: Sox-Pizarro
Closer: Wilhelm (40) v. Page (31) Winner: Sox-Wilhelm
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: Sox

White Sox 9 Yankees 6 - Chicago sweeps every pitching point and that's too much for New York to overcome.  Another 100 seed has advanced to the Round of 32.  

20. 1917 White Sox (World Champions)
v.
45. 1909 Tigers (lost WS)

-Group 4 will either see an all White Sox matchup in the next round or with Detroit's first entrant in the final 32.  

Catcher: Schalk (24) v. Schmidt (28) Winner: Sox-Schalk
First Base: Gandil (29) v. Rossman(28) Winner: Sox-Gandil
Second Base: Collins (30) v. Schaefer (33) Winner: Sox-Collins
Shortstop: Risberg (22) v. Bush (21) Winner: Tigers-Bush
Third Base: Weaver (26) v. Moriarity (23) Winner: Tigers-Moriarity
Left Field: Jackson (29) v. McIntyre (29) Winner: Sox-Jackson
Center Field: Felsch (25) v. Crawford (29) Winner: Tigers-Crawford
Right Field: Leibold (25) v. Cobb (22) Winner: Tigers-Cobb
SP1: Cicotte (33) v. Donovan (32) Winner: Sox-Cicotte
SP2: Faber (28) v. Jones (27) Winner: Sox-Faber
SP3: Williams (24) v. Killian (32) Winner: Tigers-Killian
Closer: Danforth (27) v. Works (21) Winner: Sox-Danforth
Team Offense: Tigers
Team Pitching: Sox

White Sox 9 Tigers 7 - Chicago wins nearly every pitching point and moves on, finishing group 4 and we are half way to the 32 best teams in the history of the American League.

When we see this group next...

125. 2003 Mariners (2nd in AL West-no playoffs)
v.
93. 2017 Astros (World Champions)

116. 1963 White Sox (2nd in AL - no playoffs)
v.
20. 1917 White Sox (World Champions)

When I'm back next, it's NL Group 4 - led by the 1944 St Louis Cardinals



The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (NL, Round Two, Group 3)

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Last group


8 teams are in the round of 32, 2 Reds squads and then 6 other organizations. 

3. 1909 Cubs (2nd in NL-no playoffs)
v.
62. 1903 Pirates (lost WS)

-there's already both turn of the century Cubs and Pirates teams in the field, one of them is about to get a buddy. 

Catcher: Archer (26) v. Phelps (24) Winner: Pit-Phelps
First Base: Chance (32) v. Bransfield (28) Winner: Chi-Chance
Second Base: Evers (27) v. Ritchey (29) Winner: Pit-Ritchey
Shortstop: Tinker (28) v. Wagner (29) Winner: Pit-Wagner
Third Base: Steinfeldt (33) v. Leach (25) Winner: Push
Left Field: Sheckard (30) v. Clarke (30) Winner: Pit-Clarke
Center Field: Hofman (26) v. Beaumont (26) Winner: Chi-Hofman
Right Field: Schulte (26) v. Sebring (21) Winner: Pit-Sebring
SP1: Brown (32) v. Phillippe (31) Winner: Chi-Brown
SP2: Overall (28) v. Leever (33) Winner: Chi-Overall
SP3: Reulbach (26) v. Doheny (29) Winner: Chi-Reulbach
Closer: Hagerman (23) v. Veil (21) Winner: Chi-Hagerman
Team Offense: Pit
Team Pitching: Chi

Cubs 8 Pirates 7 - Cubs arms overcome the Pirate bats and move on.  

99. 1920 Dodgers (Robins) (lost WS)
v.
35. 2011 Phillies (lost NLDS)

-Dodgers and Phillies both looking for their first entrant into the next round.  

Catcher: Miller (31) v. Ruiz (32) Winner: Phi-Ruiz
First Base: Konetchy (34) v. Howard (31) Winner: Phi-Howard
Second Base: Kilduff (27) v. Utley (24) Winner: Phi-Utley
Shortstop: Olson (34) v. Rollins (32) Winner: Phi-Rollins
Third Base: Johnston (30) v. Polanco (35) Winner: Push
Left Field: Wheat (32) v. Ibanez (39) Winner: Brook-Wheat
Center Field: Myers (31) v. Victorino (30) Winner: Phi-Victorino
Right Field: Griffith (30) v. Pence (28) Winner: Phi-Pence
SP1: Grimes (26) v. Halladay (34) Winner: Phi-Halladay
SP2: Cadore (28) v. Lee (32) Winner: Phi-Lee
SP3: Pfeffer (32) v. Hamels (27) Winner: Phi-Hamels
Closer: Mamaux (26) v. Madson (30) Winner: Brook-Mamaux
Team Offense: Push
Team Pitching: Phi

Philadelphia 11 Brooklyn 2 - oof, the Phillies bust these boys up and move onto the next round.

115. 2013 Braves (lost NLDS)
v.
51. 2018 Dodgers (lost WS)

-how about two 21st century clubs going at it?  Braves looking for their second entrant into the next round; Dodgers still looking for their first. 

Catcher: McCann (29) v. Grandal (27) Winner: LAD-Grandal
First Base: Freeman (33) v. Bellinger (22) Winner: Atl-Freeman
Second Base: Uggla (33) v. Forsythe (31) Winner: Atl-Uggla
Shortstop: Simmons (23) v. Machado (25) Winner: Atl-Simmons
Third Base: Johnson (28) v. Turner (33) Winner: LAD-Turner
Left Field: Upton (25) v. Pederson (26) Winner: Atl-Upton
Center Field: Upton (28) v. Taylor (27) Winner: LAD-Taylor
Right Field: Heyward (23) v. Puig (27) Winner: Atl-Heyward
SP1: Minor (25) v. Kershaw (30) Winner: LAD-Kershaw
SP2: Medlen (27) v. Wood (27) Winner: Atl-Medlen
SP3: Teheran (22) v. Buehler (23) Winner: LAD-Buehler
Closer: Kimbrel (25) v. Jansen (30) Winner: Atl-Kimbrel
Team Offense: LAD
Team Pitching: Atl

Atlanta 9 Dodgers 7 - woooo, boy, look at this - a 115 seed has made the final 32, the Braves put a second team into the Round of 32 and the Dodgers have failed in four attempts.  

19. 1998 Braves (lost NLCS)
v.
83. 1977 Phillies (lost NLCS)

-the '97 Braves have already advanced, if this '98 club can join them, they'll play the 2013 Braves. 
Catcher: Lopez (27) v. Boone (29) Winner: Atl-Lopez
First Base: Galarraga (37) v. Hebner (19) Winner: Atl-Galarraga
Second Base: Graffanino (26) v. Sizemore (32) Winner: Phi-Sizemore
Shortstop: Weiss (34) v. Bowa (31) Winner: Phi-Bowa
Third Base: Jones (26) v. Schmidt (27) Winner: Phi-Schmidt
Left Field: Klesko (27) v. Luzinski (26) Winner: Phi-Luzinski
Center Field: Jones (21) v. Maddox (27) Winner: Atl-Jones
Right Field: Tucker (27) v. Johnstone (31) Winner: Phi-Johnstone
SP1: Maddux (32) v. Carlton (32) Winner: Atl-Maddux
SP2: Glavine (32) v. Christenson (23) Winner: Atl-Glavine
SP3: Neagle (29) v. Lerch (22) Winner: Atl-Neagle
Closer: Ligtenberg (27) v. Garber (29) Winner: Phi-Garber
Team Offense: Atl
Team Pitching: Atl

Atlanta 10 Philadelphia 6 - tied going into the totals, and the Phils nearly forced the tiebreak by taking the hitting - but they fell short and the Braves put their third team into the Round of 32.  

The next time we see this group...

3. 1909 Cubs (2nd in NL-no playoffs)
v.
35. 2011 Phillies (lost NLDS)

115. 2013 Braves (lost NLDS)
v. 
19. 1998 Braves (lost NLCS)

When we return it's with the group loaded with upsets, AL Group 4 - their top remaining seed, the 1917 White Sox.

The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (AL, Round Two, Group 3)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Last group


8 teams have advanced to the Round of 32 - 4 Yankees, 2 Red Sox, 2 Orioles (kinda).  Each of those organizations come back here in Group 3.

3. 1942 Yankees (lost WS)
v.
67. 1979 Orioles (lost WS)

Catcher: Dickey (35) v. Dempsey (29) Winner: Balt-Dempsey
First Base: Hassett (30) v. Murray (23) Winner: Balt-Murray
Second Base: Gordon (27) v. Dauer (26) Winner: NYY-Gordon
Shortstop: Rizzuto (24) v. Belanger (35) Winner: NYY-Rizzuto
Third Base: Crosetti  (31) v. DeCinces (28) Winner: Balt-DeCinces
Left Field: Keller (25) v. Roenicke (24) Winner: NYY-Keller
Center Field: DiMaggio (27) v. Bumbry (32) Winner: NYY-DiMaggio
Right Field: Henrich (29) v. Singleton (32) Winner: Balt-Singleton
DH: Rolfe (33) v. May (36) Winner: NYY-Rolfe
SP1: Bonham (28) v. Martinez (25) Winner: NYY-Bonham
SP2: Chandler (34) v. Flanagan (27) Winner: Balt-Flanagan
SP3: Ruffing (37) v. Stone (31) Winner: NYY-Ruffing
Closer: Murphy (33) v. Stanhouse (28) Winner: Balt-Stanhouse
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: Balt

Yankees 9 Orioles 8 - Yankee bats outlast Oriole arms, if Baltimore could have flipped one of the two pitching matchups they lost (just by a little bit) they pull the upset.  Instead - a fifth Yankee squad makes the final 32 on the AL side.  

30. 1932 Yankees (World Champions)
v.
94. 1942 Red Sox (2nd in AL-no playoffs)

-A Yankee win sets up Yankees vs. Yankees in the Round of 32, two squads only a decade apart (Dickey/Crosetti/Ruffing/Murphy on both squads) a Red Sox win and we'll have our first matchup of two teams from the same season - 1942.

Catcher: Dickey (25) v. Conroy (27) Winner: NYY-Dickey
First Base: Gehrig (29) v. Lupien (25) Winner: NYY-Gehrig
Second Base: Lazzeri (28) v. Doerr (24) Winner: Bos-Doerr
Shortstop: Crosetti (21) v. Pesky (23) Winner: Bos-Pesky
Third Base: Sewell (33) v. Tabor (25) Winner: NYY-Sewell
Left Field: Chapman (23) v. Williams (23) Winner: Bos-Williams
Center Field: Combs (33) v. DiMaggio (25) Winner: Bos-DiMaggio
Right Field: Ruth (37) v. Finney (31) Winner: NYY-Ruth
SP1: Gomez (23) v. Hughson (26) Winner: Bos-Hughson
SP2: Ruffing (27) v. Wagner (29) Winner: NYY-Ruffing
SP3: Pipgras (32) v. Dobson (25) Winner: NYY-Pipgras
Closer: Brown (25) v. Brown (33) Winner: NYY-Brown
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: NYY

NYY 11 Boston 5 - dead even after Boston won the first pitching matchup and then New York swept the board.  A half dozen Yankees teams are in the final 32. 


14. 1929 A's (World Champions)
v. 
78. 1921 Indians (2nd in AL-no playoffs)

-A couple of organizations looking for their first entrant into the Round of 32 - 

Catcher: Cochrane (26) v. O'Neill (29) Winner: Phil-Cochrane
First Base: Foxx (21) v. Johnston (33) Winner: Phil-Foxx
Second Base: Bishop (29) v. Wambsganss (27) Winner: Phil-Bishop
Shortstop: Boley (32) v. Sewell (22) Winner: Cle-Sewell
Third Base: Hale (32) v. Gardner (35) Winner: Cle-Gardner
Left Field: Simmons (27) v. Jamieson (28) Winner: Phil-Simmons
Center Field: Haas (25) v. Speaker (33) Winner: Cle-Speaker
Right Field: Miller (34) v. Smith (28) Winner: Phi-Miller
SP1: Grove (29) v. Coveleski (31) Winner: Push
SP2: Walberg (32) v. Uhle (22) Winner: Phi-Walberg
SP3: Earnshaw (29) v. Mails (26) Winner: Phi-Earnshaw
Closer: Shores (25) v. Caldwell (33) Winner: Phi-Shores
Team Offense: Phi
Team Pitching: Phi

A's 12 Indians 3 - Nothing wrong with that Cleveland club, but they got run over by the A's.

110. 1934 Yankees (2nd in AL-no playoffs)
v.
83. 1985 Blue Jays (lost ALCS)

-the '32, '36, '39 Yankees are already in; the Jays look to gain their first entrant as Group 3 finishes up. 

Catcher: Dickey (27) v. Whitt (33) Winner: NYY-Dickey
First Base: Gehrig (31) v. Upshaw(28) Winner: NYY-Gehrig
Second Base: Lazzeri (30) v. Garcia (28) Winner: NYY-Lazzeri
Shortstop: Crosetti (23) v. Fernandez (23) Winner: Jays-Fernandez
Third Base: Saltzgaver (31) v. Iorg (30) Winner: Jays-Iorg
Left Field: Chapman (25) v. Bell (25) Winner: Jays-Bell
Center Field: Combs (35) v. Moseby (25) Winner: Jays-Moseby
Right Field: Ruth (39) v. Barfield (25) Winner: Jays-Barfield
DH: Rolfe (29) v. Burroughs (34) Winner: Push
SP1: Gomez (25) v. Stieb (27) Winner: NYY-Gomez
SP2: Ruffing (29) v. Alexander (34) Winner: Jays-Alexander
SP3: Broaca (24) v. Key (24) Winner: Jays-Key
Closer: Murphy (25) v. Caudill (28) Winner: NYY-Murphy
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: Jays

Jays 9 Yankees 7 - Babe Ruth is a mythical figure in American popular culture, but the 39 year old version of him was not as good as the 25 year old Jesse Barfield and the Blue Jays make their way into the next round.  

The next time we see this group....

3. 1942 Yankees (lost WS)
v.
30. 1932 Yankees (World Champions)

14. 1929 A's (World Champions)
v.
83. 1985 Blue Jays (lost ALCS)

When we come back, it's NL Group 3 led by the 1909 Chicago Cubs.




The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (NL, Round Two, Group 2)

Monday, December 24, 2018

Last group

Cubs/Reds/Mets/Cards are currently in the next round -- only Cincinnati has a chance to double up in this group, so lots of new clubs are about to enter the round of 32 in the NL. 

2. 1902 Pirates (1st in NL-no playoffs)
v.
66. 1952 Dodgers (lost WS)

Catcher: Smith (27) v. Campanella (30) Winner: Dodgers-Campanella
First Base: Bransfield (27) v. Hodges (28) Winner: Dodgers-Hodges
Second Base: Ritchey (28) v. Robinson (33) Winner: Dodgers-Robinson
Shortstop: Conroy (25) v. Reese (33) Winner: Dodgers-Reese
Third Base: Leach (24) v. Cox (32) Winner: Pirates-Leach
Left Field: Clarke (29) v. Pafko (31) Winner: Pirates-Clarke
Center Field: Beaumont (25) v. Snider (25) Winner: Pirates-Beaumont
Right Field: Wagner (28) v. Drew (30) Winner: Pirates-Wagner
SP1: Chesbro (28) v. Erskine (25) Winner: Pirates-Chesbro
SP2: Phillippe (30) v. Loes (22) Winner: Pirates-Phillippe
SP3: Tannehill (27) v. Wade (29) Winner: Pirates-Tannehill
Closer: McLaughlin (26) v. Black (28) Winner: Dodgers-Black
Team Offense: Pirates
Team Pitching: Pirates

Pirates 11 Dodgers 5 - Brooklyn won the first four matchups and then got flat wiped out by the turn of the century Bucs.  

31. 1997 Braves (lost NLCS)
v.
34. 1972 Pirates (lost NLCS)

-Pittsburgh looks to double up their entrants in the final 32 and they meet one of a few 90s era Braves squads still alive.

Catcher: Lopez (26) v. Sanguillen (28) Winner: Atl-Lopez
First Base: McGriff (33) v. Stargell (32) Winner: Pit-Stargell
Second Base: Lemke (31) v. Cash (24) Winner: Pit-Cash
Shortstop: Blauser (31) v. Alley (31) Winner: Atl-Blauser
Third Base: Jones (25) v. Hebner (24) Winner: Pit-Hebner
Left Field: Klesko (26) v. Davalillo (35) Winner: Pit-Davalillo
Center Field: Lofton (30) v. Oliver (25) Winner: Atl-Lofton
Right Field: Jones (20) v. Clemente (37) Winner: Pit-Clemente
SP1: Smoltz (30) v. Blass (30) Winner: Atl-Smoltz
SP2: Glavine (31) v. Moose (24) Winner: Atl-Glavine
SP3: Neagle (28) v. Briles (28) Winner: Atl-Neagle
Closer: Wohlers (27) v. Giusti (32) Winner: Pit-Giusti
Team Offense: Pit
Team Pitching: Atl

Braves 9 Pirates 8 - Pirates bats vs. Braves arms, Atlanta wins the tiebreaker and moves on.

15. 1975 Reds (World Champions)
v.
50. 1977 Dodgers (lost WS)

-the '76 Reds have advanced, will their more celebrated predecessors join them?  It's 1970s NL West rivals battling to see who moves forward into the Round of 32.

Catcher: Bench (27) v. Yeager (28) Winner: Cin-Bench
First Base: Perez (33) v. Garvey (28) Winner: LAD-Garvey
Second Base: Morgan (31) v. Lopes (32) Winner: Cin-Morgan
Shortstop: Concepcion (27) v. Russell (28) Winner: Cin-Concepcion
Third Base: Rose (34) v. Cey (29) Winner: Cin-Rose
Left Field: Foster (26) v. Baker (28) Winner: Cin-Foster
Center Field: Geronimo (27) v. Monday (31) Winner: Cin-Geronimo
Right Field: Griffey (25) v. Smith (32) Winner: LAD-Smith
SP1: Nolan (27) v. Hooten (27) Winner: LAD-Hooten
SP2: Billingham (32) v. Sutton (32) Winner: LAD-Sutton
SP3: Norman (32) v. John (34) Winner: LAD-John
Closer: Eastwick (24) v. Hough (29) Winner: Cin-Eastwick
Team Offense: Cin
Team Pitching: Dodgers

Reds 9 Dodgers 7 - Reds offense against Dodgers pitching - Rawly Eastwick earns Cincinnati a point from the closers spot, that allows them to avoid a tiebreaker and move into the next round.

18. 1908 Giants (2nd in NL-no playoffs)
v.
82. 1978 Dodgers (lost WS)

-a McGraw era Giants team lost in Group 1 - the '77 Dodgers just lost; let's see who claims the final Group 2 spot. 

Catcher: Bresnahan (29) v. Yeager (29) Winner: NYG-Bresnahan
First Base: Tenney (36) v. Garvey (29) Winner: LAD-Garvey
Second Base: Doyle (21) v. Lopes (33) Winner: LAD-Lopes
Shortstop: Bridwell (24) v. Russell (29) Winner: NYG-Bridwell
Third Base: Devlin (28) v. Cey (30) Winner: LAD-Cey
Left Field: McCormick (27) v. Baker (27) Winner: LAD-Baker
Center Field: Seymour (35) v. North (30) Winner: NYG-Seymour
Right Field: Donlin (30) v. Smith (33) Winner: NYG-Donlin
SP1: Mathewson (27) v. Sutton (33) Winner: NYG-Mathewson
SP2: Wiltse (28) v. Hooten (28) Winner: NYG-Wiltse
SP3: Crandall (20) v. John (35) Winner: LAD-John
Closer: Malarkey (29) v. Forster (26) Winner: LAD-Forster
Team Offense: LAD
Team Pitching: NYG

Giants 9 Dodgers 8 - as close a tiebreaker as we've ever had, the Giants pitching just barely...just barely edges out the Dodger bats.  

Next time we see this group...

2. 1902 Pirates (1st in NL-no playoffs)
v.
31. 1997 Braves (lost NLCS)

15. 1975 Reds (World Champions)
v.
18. 1908 Giants (2nd in NL-no playoffs)

When I return, it's with AL Group 3 - led by the 1942 New York Yankees.


The Greatest MLB Tournament Ever Created (AL, Round Two, Group 2)

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Last group

2. 1927 Yankees (World Champions)
v.
63. 2007 Red Sox (World Champions)

So far, the Round of 32 consists of 3 Yankees clubs and an Orioles team.  Let's see who Group 2 adds.

Catcher: Collins (30) v. Varitek (32) Winner: Bos-Varitek
First Base: Gehrig (24) v. Youkilis (28) Winner: NYY-Gehrig
Second Base: Lazzeri (23) v. Pedroia (23) Winner: NYY-Lazzeri
Shortstop: Koenig (22) v. Lugo (31) Winner: NYY-Koenig
Third Base: Dugan (30) v. Lowell (30) Winner: Bos-Lowell
Left Field: Meusel (30) v. Ramirez (35) Winner: NYY-Meusel
Center Field: Combs (28) v. Crisp (27) Winner: NYY-Combs
Right Field: Ruth (32) v. Drew (31) Winner: NYY-Ruth
DH: Grabowski (27) v. Ortiz (31) Winner: Bos-Ortiz
SP1: Hoyt (27) v. Matsuzaka (26) Winner: NYY-Hoyt
SP2: Pennock (30) v. Beckett (27) Winner: Bos-Beckett
SP3: Shocker (36) v. Wakefield (40) Winner: NYY-Shocker
Closer: Moore (30) v. Papelbon (26) Winner: NYY-Moore
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: Bos

NYY 11 Boston 6 - the Yankees dominate the bats and split the overall pitching points to cruise on into the next round.

98. 1950 Red Sox (3rd in AL-no playoffs)
v.
95. 2013 Tigers (lost ALCS)

-Another opportunity for Boston to make the next round. 

Catcher: Tebbetts (37) v. Avila (26) Winner: Bos-Tebbetts
First Base: Dropo (27) v. Fielder (29) Winner: Push
Second Base: Doerr (32) v. Infante (31) Winner: Bos-Doerr
Shortstop: Stephens (29) v. Peralta (31) Winner: Bos-Stephens
Third Base: Pesky (31) v. Cabrera (30) Winner: Det-Cabrera
Left Field: Williams (31) v. Dirks (27) Winner: Bos-Williams
Center Field: DiMaggio (33) v. Jackson (26) Winner: Bos-DiMaggio
Right Field: Zarilla (31) v. Hunter (37) Winner: Bos-Zarilla
DH: Goodman (24) v. Martinez (34) Winner: Bos-Goodman
SP1: Parnell (28) v. Verlander (30) Winner: Bos-Parnell
SP2: Dobson (30) v. Scherzer (28) Winner: Det-Scherzer
SP3: Stobbs (20) v. Fister (29) Winner: Det-Fister
Closer: Kinder (30) v. Benoit (35) Winner: Push
Team Offense: Red Sox
Team Pitching: Det

Boston 10 Detroit 5 - Boston rolled through the position player matchups and that enabled them to withstand a pitching loss.  

15. 1937 Yankees (World Champions)
v.
70. 2002 Red Sox (2nd in AL East-no playoffs)

-Yankees/Sox are the winners of the first two games in the group - which one of them will gain that next slot?  The '36 and '39 Yankees are already in that Round of 32. Will three Yankees teams from the same decade survive?  

Catcher: Dickey (30) v. Varitek (30) Winner: NYY-Dickey
First Base: Gehrig (34) v. Clark (30) Winner: NYY-Gehrig
Second Base: Lazzeri (33) v. Sanchez (34) Winner: NYY-Lazzeri
Shortstop: Crosetti (26) v. Garciaparra (28) Winner: Bos-Garciaparra
Third Base: Rolfe (28) v. Hillenbrand (26) Winner: Bos-Hillenbrand
Left Field:  Powell (28) v. Henderson (43) Winner: Bos-Henderson
Center Field: DiMaggio (22) v. Damon (28) Winner: NYY-DiMaggio
Right Field: Selkirk (29) v. Nixon (28) Winner: NYY-Selkirk
DH: Henrich (24) v. Ramirez (30) Winner: Bos-Ramirez
SP1: Gomez (28) v. Lowe (29) Winner: NYY-Gomez
SP2: Ruffing (32) v. Martinez (30) Winner: Bos-Martinez
SP3: Hadley (32) v. Burkett (37) Winner: Bos-Burkett
Closer: Malone (34) v. Urbina (28) Winner: Bos-Urbina
Team Offense: NYY
Team Pitching: Bos

Boston 10 NYY 7 - the Sox dominate the pitching, winning nearly every point, and that carries them into the Round of 32.  

111. 2011 Rangers (lost WS)
v.
47. 1922 Browns (Orioles) (2nd in AL-no playoffs)

-we finish group 2 with the old Orioles against the only Rangers team remaining in the field.

Catcher: Torrealba (32) v. Severeid (31) Winner: StL-Severeid
First Base: Moreland (25) v. Sisler (29) Winner: StL-Sisler
Second Base: Kinsler (29) v. McManus (22) Winner: Tex-Kinsler
Shortstop: Andrus (22) v. Gerber (30) Winner: Tex-Andrus
Third Base: Beltre (32) v. Ellerbe (26) Winner: Tex-Beltre
Left Field: Hamilton (30) v. Williams (32) Winner: StL-Williams
Center Field: Chavez (33) v. Jacobson (31) Winner: StL-Jacobson
Right Field: Cruz (30) v. Tobin (30) Winner: StL-Tobin
DH: Young (34) v. Shorten (30) Winner: Tex-Young
SP1: Wilson (30) v. Shocker (31) Winner: STL-Shocker
SP2: Lewis (31) v. Vangilder (26) Winner: StL-Vangilder
SP3: Holland (24) v. Wakefield (40) Winner: Tex-Holland
Closer: Feliz (23) v. Pruett (21) Winner: StL-Pruett
Team Offense: StL
Team Pitching: StL

Browns 12 Rangers 5 - the Browns sweep the totals, win almost all the pitching points and move into the Round of 32.  

A quarter of the Final 32 in the AL is set - half of them are Yankees, the other half are Red Sox and Orioles, both current and former. 

When we see this group again:

2. 1927 Yankees (World Champions)
v.
98. 1950 Red Sox (3rd in AL-no playoffs)

70. 2002 Red Sox (2nd in AL East-no playoffs)
v.
47. 1922 Browns (Orioles) (2nd in AL-no playoffs)

We'll return with  NL Group 2 - led by the 1902 Pittsburgh Pirates.  

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