Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad K
Its interesting how small market teams were the elite of both NL divisions in the 70s.
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Interesting, yes. Surprising? Not so much. Remember FA hadn't fully kicked in yet. But more than that, in baseball it is virtually impossible to buy a title. Look at these morons this year with the Padres and Mets. Take a closer look even at the Yankees. If not for that great Jeter and the Fab 5 run - which was created while George was suspended - their success rate since Mantle retired is dreadful given how much money they've spent. The Braves are the best-run franchise ever in my books, all that sustained success these past three decades, and yet have what - two titles to show for it. The Astros had to tank for years on end then cheat just to win a couple. The Dodgers have just one in this century. The A's and Rays - for all their Moneyball magic - have zero between them.
You need to be incredibly smart about how you build and run your franchise. Then you need a whole truckload full of luck and things going your way. It really is one of the most amazing achievements in sport, winning an MLB title. As you see every year around the league, it is much easier to suck than succeed.