Final 2018 NFL All Pro Selections

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.