MLB: Statistically speaking, 12 teams could be champs
By Steve Herl
There have been 17 World Series champions since 2000. All but three of these champions ranked in the top four in at least three of nine basic statistical categories in their respective leagues. Let’s see which MLB teams currently meet that criteria.
In the 21st century Major League Baseball has crowned 17 World Series champions. While reviewing the team statistics for each of these champions, I noticed that there were nine very basic categories in which these teams excelled – at least in four of the nine categories. The 2000 New York Yankees ranked in the top four in two categories but in the top half in all nine, the 2003 Marlins ranked in the top five in two categories and the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals ranked fourth in one category and fifth in two others.
The nine basic statistical categories I used are runs, hits, home runs, batting average, walks and on-base percentage offensively; and ERA, saves and strikeouts for pitching. The nine categories seemed to validate the ultimate champion.
The 2010 San Francisco Giants led the National League in all three pitching categories, the only team this century to do that. The 2005 Chicago White Sox and the 2009 Yankees led the American League in two of the pitching categories. In fact, the 2009 Yankees led the American League in seven of the nine categories while ranking second in batting average and third in ERA. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs led the National League in walks, OBP and ERA, while finishing second in runs and third in strikeouts. They also finished fifth in home runs.
Twelve teams in Major League Baseball, six in each league, currently rank in the top four in at least three of these nine categories. Let’s see who meets the criteria.