1987 St. Louis Cardinals vs 2001 Arizona Diamond Backs
1987 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 95-67
Finish: Won NL Pennant; lost World Series to Minnesota
Manager: Whitey Herzog
Team ERA: 3.91
Team AVG: .263
Home Runs: 94
Key Players: Jack Clark 1B (35 HR, 106 RBI), Vince Coleman (109 SB, 121 R), Todd Worrell RP (33 S, 2.66)
A team almost exclusively built on speed and defense this Cardinals team were one of the last true small ball teams. The team stole 248 bases led by the incredible Vince Coleman. Truly the pitching staff wasnt magnificent but just adequete. The Cardinals also had a Wizard at shortstop who always seemed to get the big hit.
2001 Arizona Diamond Backs
Record: 92-70
Finish: Won World Series over Yankees
Manager: Bob Brenly
Team ERA: 3.87
Team AVG: .267
Home Runs: 208
Key Players: Randy Johnson SP (21-6, 2.49), Luis Gonzelez (57 HR, .325), Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98)
Maybe the toughest team in history to face in a short series, teams cant really compete with the 43 win doo of Johnson and Schilling. The bullpen is a bit suspect, but often times not even needed. Luis Gonzelez had a remarkable season and the team defense was actually very good.
Pitching matchups
Game 1: Danny Cox (11-9, 3.88 ERA) vs Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49)
Game 2: Greg Mathews (11-11, 3.73) vs Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98)
Game 3: Bob Forsch (11-7, 4.32) vs Brian Anderson (4-9, 5.20)