MLB Dream Bracket: Building the best lineup for the final four teams

With the final two matchups of the MLB Dream Bracket set to kick off on May 1, we take a crack at building the best lineup for each remaining team.

Utilizing a baseball strategy game called ‘Out of the Park Baseball 21’, the MLB Dream Bracket started with 32 teams and is now down to the final four. The first of the two matchups, one for each league, is set to begin simulation on May 1, 2020, at 3 PM between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

One hour later, the National League teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers commence simulation. And thus, approximately 24 hours from now, we’ll know which two teams will face off for the title of the greatest “Dream Team” in MLB.

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This week, we’ve given you a preview and prediction for both matchups. You can find the AL matchup HERE and the NL matchup HERE.

Today, we’ll take each team’s predetermined lineup and shake it up in an effort to give each team its best chance to win. Then, just for fun, we’ll adjust our predictions.

To begin, let’s take a look at…

The Best Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup

While the Dodgers are one of the greatest teams in the history of baseball, of the four organizations vying for a sport in the final round, they have the lowest cumulative WAR (1094.8).

So, in order for them to have a legitimate shot, we’re going to have to build the best possible lineup. Picking from each player’s best season, here’s what we have:

• C – Mike Piazza (1997) – 9.1 fWAR
• 1B – Pedro Guerrero (1985) – 7.8 fWAR
• 2B – Jackie Robinson (1949) – 9.6 fWAR
• 3B – Ron Cey (1975) – 6.6 fWAR
• SS – Pee Wee Reese (1949) – 6.8 fWAR
• LF – Matt Kemp (2011) – 8.3 fWAR
• CF – Duke Snider (1953) – 8.8 fWAR
• RF – Cody Bellinger (2019) – 7.8 fWAR
• DH – Gary Sheffield (2003) – 7.3 fWAR

In essence, the predetermined lineup and my lineup only differ in four areas: catching, first base, left field, and DH. To give the Dodgers the best chance against the Reds, I have substituted Piazza circa 1997 for Roy Campanella, 1985 Guerrero for Gil Hodges, I placed 2011 Kemp in left, and then removed Steve Garvey for Sheffield at DH.

Unfortunately, the following players will have to remain on the bench: Maury Wills, Shawn Green, and Andre Ethier.

In all, this Dodger lineup, made up of the best individual seasons in team history, gives L.A. a cumulative 72.1 WAR score.

MLB Dream Bracket: The Final Four

The Best Boston Red Sox Lineup

It’s kind of funny how things work out sometimes. If not for the New York Yankees’ ability to deliver legends at almost every position, the Red Sox are hands down the best team in sports.

So, when it comes to (simulation) game time at 3 PM on May 1, Boston will have to produce the strongest possible lineup. Thankfully, we’re here to help and this is what we have:

• C – Carlton Fisk (1977) – 7.6 fWAR
• 1B –  Jimmie Foxx (1932) – 11.3 fWAR
• 2B – Dustin Pedroia (2011) – 7.9 fWAR
• 3B – Wade Boggs (1987) – 8.9 fWAR
• SS –  Nomar Garciaparra (2000) – 7.6 fWAR
• LF – Ted Williams (1946) – 11.8 fWAR
• CF – Mookie Betts (2018) – 10.4 fWAR
• RF – Carl Yastrzemski (1967) – 11.1 fWAR
• DH – Manny Ramirez (1999) – 7.5 fWAR

In building this lineup, two players had to be promoted from the bench to the lineup: Manny Ramirez and Carl Yastrzemski. Unfortunately, two fan favorites in David Ortiz and Dwight Evans had to take a demotion.

In all, what we discover is that the American League is another stratosphere offensively when compared to the National League. In fact, this Red Sox lineup produces a cumulative WAR score of 84.1, which is 10 points higher than the Reds.

Is it enough to beat the Yankees? Let’s take a look.

MLB Dream Bracket: The Final Four

The Best New York Yankees Lineup

It’s no secret that the Yankees are the best franchise, arguably, in the history of sports. Just think, in 55 playoff appearances, they have won a championship in close to half of them. In essence, they average a World Series championship every 4-years, which is just unthinkable.

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Now, let me prepare you for a couple of moves that were made because I know they will ruffle some feathers. Perhaps two of the most loved players had to be benched in order to make the strongest possible lineup.

Remember, this isn’t a game about favorites, it’s about numbers and how to best manipulate those numbers in an effort to get a win. That being said, here’s what the numbers produced:

• C – Bill Dickey (1937) – 6.7 fWAR
• 1B –  Lou Gehrig (1927) – 12.5 fWAR
• 2B – Robinson Cano (2012) – 7.3 fWAR
• 3B – Graig Nettles (1976) – 8.1 fWAR
• SS –  Alex Rodriguez (2002) – 10 fWAR
• LF – Mickey Mantle (1956) – 11.5 fWAR
• CF – Joe DiMaggio (1941) – 9.8 fWAR
• RF – Babe Ruth (1923) – 15 fWAR
• DH – Reggie Jackson (1969) – 8.9 fWAR

Like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees required the most substitutions in order to produce the best possible lineup. In fact, three players needed to be substituted in order to make this lineup: Dickey circa 1937 swapped places with Yogi Berra, Cano for Tony Lazzeri, and Nettles for Derek Jeter. Then, Nettles and A-Rod swapped positions.

In doing so, the Yankees retain the best lineup of all the teams left by producing a cumulative 89.8 WAR score, defeating the rival Boston Red Sox by close to 6 points.