SCHEDULE: ROUND 1 - REGION 3:
Two regions have completed the first round and two to go. Region 3 finishes up with these next two series'
2) 1998 New York Yankees vs. 15) 1972 Oakland A's
1998 New York Yankees:
2 Seed – Region 3
Record: 114-48
Result: Won World Series 4-0 over San Diego Padres
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (ranking and reputation)
Elo Rank: 5
Key Players:
Derek Jeter (SS) .324, 19 hr, 84 rbi, 127 r, 30 sb, 7.5 WAR
Bernie Williams (OF) .339, 26 hr, 97 rbi, 101 r, 15 sb
David Wells (SP) 18-4, 3.49 era, 1.04 whip, 8 cg, 127 ERA+
David Cone (SP) 20-7, 3.55 era, 1.18 whip, 209 k
Notes:
This team is an interesting one. Widely recognized as one of, if not the, best team ever. 114 wins, and another World Series Sweep. This was truly a complete and balanced team. Four hall of famers, though one of them was the manager and one a 38-year-old bench player. “Only” five all stars. No one legitimately close to the MVP or Cy Young. But are they too balanced for this type of tourney with short series after short series? They almost met their match in the ALCS, dropping 2 games. They have an amazing staff top to bottom, but their best pitchers were barely 25% above league average. Their depth was ideal to carry them over 162 games but they may face a spot where someone needs to carry them here.
Further reading:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...best-team-ever
1972 Oakland A’s:
15 Seed - Region 3
Record: 93-62
Result: Won World Series 4-3 over Cincinnati Reds
Entry to Tournament: At large bid (Reputation)
Elo Rank: 251
Key Players:
Reggie Jackson (OF) .265, 25 hr, 75 rbi, 72 r, 149 OPS+
Joe Rudi (OF) .305, 19 hr, 75 rbi, 94 r, 151 OPS+
Catfish Hunter (SP) 21-7, 2.04 era, 0.91 whip, 16 cg, 140 ERA+
Rollie Fingers (RP) 11-9, 21 sv, 2.51 era, 1.05 whip
Notes:
Balanced staff, underwhelming offense. This team showed up on a number of searches of subjective lists, but ranks quite low on the ELO list. So they’re allowed in, but they’re rewarded with a 15 seed and an almost certain immediate departure.
Further reading:
https://whitecleatbeat.com/2015/10/0...-forget-first/
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015...rst-time-ever/