MLB: Most Disappointing 100-Win Teams of All Time
By Manny Gómez
10.) New York Yankees (101-61), 2003
Rdiff: 161 / Postseason: Lost World Series
Having won four world titles (1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000) in six appearances, the Yankees were looking for a fifth ring. The Yanks accomplished this feat with the “Core Four + One” (Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams) as the centerpiece of the organization.
The Yankees were coming off of one of the most epic victories in MLB history against the Boston Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS. Aaron Boone ended that game by smashing the first pitch out of Tim Wakefield‘s hand into the left field bleachers. The old Yankee Stadium erupted in elation. The Curse of the Bambino would live on for at least one more year.
It looked as though the Yankees were on their way to solidify themselves as one of baseball’s greatest dynasties. Heavy underdogs in the series, the Florida Marlins would shock the world. It only took six games, but the series was over long before that.
What’s more, when a young Josh Beckett towed the mound in game six of the World Series, he looked as though he was poised to slay the dragon that was the Yankees. And he did. That night Beckett threw a five-hit complete game shut out.
The Yankees dynasty was officially over.
9.) New York Yankees (103-59), 1980
Rdiff: 158 / Postseason: Lost ALCS
In 1980, the New York Yankees were poised to win another pennant. It was the fourth time the Yankees and the Kansas City Royals would face off for the pennant in five years. The Yankees had won the first three pennants and were looking to secure a fourth.
Despite the Yankees having a better regular season record, the Royals were given home field advantage. Apparently, at the time home field was determined on a rotation basis. The Royals took advantage of this, taking the first two games at home. By the time the series returned to the Bronx, the Yanks were dead men walking.
This is series featured rain outs, comebacks, and BIG homers from superstars like Reggie Jackson and George Brett. It would also be one of the last times the Yankees make it to the postseason before experiencing a 13-year postseason drought.
In disappointing fashion, the Yankees would lose via the sweep… in the Bronx.
8.) Oakland Athletics (103-59), 2002
Rdiff: 146 / Postseason: Lost ALDS
The 2002 Oakland A’s remain one of the most talked about teams in baseball history, although at the time you wouldn’t know it. Michael Lewis would later go on to write a famous book about this team, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game.
Somehow, the A’s managed to compete against the likes of the New York Yankees despite having a significantly lower payroll, issuing in the analytics revolution in baseball. A time where teams would use numbers instead of eyeballs to evaluate players.
In 2002, the A’s had the third lowest payroll in all of baseball. Still, this team managed to make history winning 20 straight games and 23 out of 24. The A’s took the AL West in 2002 and faced off against the Twins in the ALDS. It would be the third straight season the A’s would make the postseason. In their previous two appearances, the A’s lost in the ALDS three games to two.
Turns out, 2002 would be no different. The A’s lost to the Twins in five games, three games to two for the third straight season.
Turns out, “Moneyball” might not work so well in the postseason.