There isn't a single player who does that in baseball. Maybe a pitcher but even then one player doesn't make that much of a marked improvement to a team this bad.
7.7 WAR
The Jays have been dressing guys with negative WAR almost all season, so lets say 8 extra wins
This is a story that should be told more. While a Jays fan first, I have started following the Tigers the last couple of years as our local AAA team (Mud Hens) is their affiliate and have sent to Detroit many of their prominent players this year.
9.5 games back of the Wild Card as recently as Aug 22 to now having a 1.0 GM lead on the Twins and tied with the Royals. Highlights a huge resurgence in Detroit and massive potential choke jobs from both Minnesota and Kansas City. Reminds me of the 2007 Colorado Rockies
This is a story that should be told more. While a Jays fan first, I have started following the Tigers the last couple of years as our local AAA team (Mud Hens) is their affiliate and have sent to Detroit many of their prominent players this year.
9.5 games back of the Wild Card as recently as Aug 22 to now having a 1.0 GM lead on the Twins and tied with the Royals. Highlights a huge resurgence in Detroit and massive potential choke jobs from both Minnesota and Kansas City. Reminds me of the 2007 Colorado Rockies
I think there's a bit of an asterix there though. The AL central is sending 3 teams to the playoffs this year (and looks like the first non-playoff team is from that division as well). An extra 6-7 games against the historically bad White Sox is an advantage that's probably worth a few extra wins.
I think there's a bit of an asterix there though. The AL central is sending 3 teams to the playoffs this year (and looks like the first non-playoff team is from that division as well). An extra 6-7 games against the historically bad White Sox is an advantage that's probably worth a few extra wins.
In a sample size this small it's worth 1-2 wins more than against the other last place teams.
It's not like Detroit closed ground on everyone else because the had 10 of 25 games vs the White Sox. It's like 4 of their last 43 in which they're 29-14. They've also had the Angels, Rockies, and A's in there too. But you still have to beat the bad teams and maybe they're record early on was skewed because they had more games versus better teams.
It's not like the days where Division teams played each other 18 times and the Blue Jays could win 87 games by beating the Orioles 16 times.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
In a sample size this small it's worth 1-2 wins more than against the other last place teams.
It's not like Detroit closed ground on everyone else because the had 10 of 25 games vs the White Sox. It's like 4 of their last 43 in which they're 29-14. They've also had the Angels, Rockies, and A's in there too. But you still have to beat the bad teams and maybe they're record early on was skewed because they had more games versus better teams.
It's not like the days where Division teams played each other 18 times and the Blue Jays could win 87 games by beating the Orioles 16 times.
I agree with the math that its probably only worth ~2 wins, but I also think there's a good chance one of the AL central teams will make the post season by 2 games or less.
I agree with the math that its probably only worth ~2 wins, but I also think there's a good chance one of the AL central teams will make the post season by 2 games or less.
Make or miss? 3 AL Central teams likely get in. It's not like the White Sox lost 120 games because their Division was brutally difficult. The 4 AL Central teams are above average and still would be if the Jays and White Sox switched places. It will have more to do with the fact that the Mariners sucked badly enough that they couldn't take advantage of Division with a weak team in Texas and two bad ones.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
I have nothing of substance to add other than Larry Walker was incredible. That 97 season is one of the best all time.
what was even more impressive with Larry Walker was when he was informed he would be going in the HOF, he was rocking a fantastic sponge bob shirt. classic
