For those that are thinking that MLB has parity even without the salary cap (# of different teams that won without repeats), let's be honest
1) We have seen the dynasties in NBA due to what was super 2 (Pippen & Jordan or Kobi & Shaq) and now big 3 of Curry/Klay and Green -- and even Durant. When you only need best at a few positions, the salary cap doesn't help that much.
2) NFL is ruled by the QB and why we tried with Watson (in utter failure). But, Bradshaw, Staubach, Montana and now Mahomes rule the SB circuit despite need for 21 other starters.
3) NHL - you still have the Gretzky(s) who are super human to carry the ice time for 1 in 5 position players for 1/3rd of the game. You can also have a Roy or Hasek be good enough in net to carry a team in the net with average forwards.
4) MLB - In baseball, there is parity as you need 2 stud (and 2 other un-injured) pitchers and several hitters to peak in the WS at the right time. It is harder to break-out if not in the top 10 in payroll to be a WS contender (only 3% chance to make WS if not in top 10 payroll where each team has 6.6667% random odds each year to make it 2 in 30 odds).
In last 10 years
Top 1-5 - 10 teams = 20% chance 10 in 50
Top 6-10 - 4 teams = 8% chance 4 in 50
Top 11-20 - 4 teams = 4% chance 4 in 100 (and not a single 1 in last 8 years)
Bottom 10 - 2 teams = 2% chance 2 in 100
This isn't real parity. And, yes you can have a low payroll and win the lottery as you have 8-10 great farm system guys come up at once (like our Lindor, Ramirez and others in 2016). But that is the rare occasion that has become rarer lately as our tricks are being copied by other teams like the Dodgers (not relying solely on FA but young pitching staff) to become stronger.
In last 5 years (yes smaller sample size so see how it plays out but whether 2% or 3% chance it is not that great of odds)
Top 10 - 8 teams in 50 chances (16% chance)
Bottom 20 - 2 in 100 chances (2% chance)
2024 - Dodgers(2) and Yankees (3)
2023 - Rangers(3) and Arizona (21)
2022 - Phillies(4) and Houston(8)
2021 - Houston(4) and Braves(10)
2020 - Dodgers(1) and Tampa(28)
2019 - Wash (7) and Houston(8)
2018 - Boston(1) and Dodgers(3)
2017 - Dodgers(1) and Houston(17)
2016 - Cubs(5) and Indians (18)
2015 - KC(13) and Mets(18)
The Arizona Diamondbacks' 4-2 win over the Phillies last night secured their World Series ticket, setting up a preseason betting odds dream matchup with the Rangers. We'll take a closer look at the financials of our 2023 matchup, then take a quick ride through the financial matchups in each of...
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