[Highlander]

Here are the final totals for Group 3 to see who moves on....this was the closest group yet-

2014 Dodgers- 508
1969 Orioles- 508
1992 Braves- 504
1907 Cubs- 504
1957 Braves- 450
1937 Giants- 442

Yes....we have a tie! The next step was to do a two season playoff between the 14 Dodgers and 69 Orioles, one in each of their seasons. Here's the results of that-

1969
2014 Dodgers- 85
1969 Orioles- 77

2014
1969 Orioles- 92
2014 Dodgers- 70

That means the 1969 Baltimore Orioles move on to the final round as part of the Top 10. It was a long road, with two extra seasons needed, so they really earned it. That also gives us a team from the 40's, 50's and 60's.....it sure would be cool to see all ten teams represent different decades, but I'm sure there will be some repeats as we go along. I thought it would come down to this team , the Dodgers and the 92 Braves and that was pretty much the case....except the 07 Cubs kept up a better fight than I thought and they were right in it too.

Finally, a look at the teams we will see in Group 4-

1998 New York Yankees
1987 New York Mets
1963 Minnesota Twins
1976 Cincinnati Reds
1979 Montreal Expos
2012 Atlanta Braves

This will be the last chance for the Braves to move on and the only chance for the Twins. The 98 Yankees are one of the winningest teams of the last 100 years or so, but they never have the look of one of the best ever. This will tell us a lot. The Mets are, on paper, not as good as the 86 version that didn't make it here.....but they have pitching in spades and could surprise. The Twins have a few "partial season" guys who may tip the scales....but we saw with Bob Hazel in Group 3 that it isn't a guarantee. Still, they may be a dark horse to win this The Reds have to be one of the favorites here. Their 72 counterparts didn't not fare well, but this team is better all around...and they have potentially the best player in the group with Joe Morgan. The Expos were a surprise to get here and this could be where they get "Expos"ed! Finally, the Braves are a solid team....but I see them as more middle of the pack in this group.