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Luck With Over Performing Players
Given the payroll limitations, historical rookies, and free agency from the beginning, its necessary to have some cheap non traditional trades/signings over perform. The biggest of this save is Connie Johnson.
Historically Johnson didn't get his chance in MLB until 1953 at age 30 and was back in the minors in 54. He came back up in 55 and had an OK but nothing special career.
In this save the Pirates traded for him in 53 and kept him in the minors until late 55. He made the rotation in 56 and was 16-12 with a 2.82 ERA. In 57 he was 18-8 with a 2.53 ERA and won the Cy Young award. He won the Cy again in 58 going 23-4 with a 2.06 ERA. Johnson continued to pitch for the Pirates in 59 and 60 with reasonable though lesser success and then went to the minors for two years before retiring.
Overall Johnson's MLB record was 77-39 in 149 starts (he never appeared in relief) with a 2.78 ERA. Despite his short career Johnson is among the top ten Pirates in career marks for WAR, ERA, winning percentage, complete games, and shutouts.
If a team can't spend big money or game the draft, its needs a bit of luck!
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