Source

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about a few more World Series subjects (TV ratings, Kyle Harrison’s non-use, the Brewers’ bullpen performance, an earlier EW discussion of ideal clinching plays, and more), and then (26:00) recap the first season of ABS: how it went, what surprised them, possible improvements, etc. After that (46:26) they talk about baseball scenes in Avengers: Doomsday (with an MCU digression) and You Can See Everything (sans spoilers), and wrap up (1:15:45) by anticipating how active the MLB transaction market will be leading up to the lockout.

Audio intro: Justin Peters, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio outro: Sean P., “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to ratings tweet
Link to ratings article 1
Link to ratings article 2
Link to Ben on the Brewers pen
Link to Jaffe on the Brewers pen
Link to Paine on the Brewers pen
Link to Jaffe on the Brewers run
Link to Stark on the Brewers run
Link to best postseason records
Link to Skubal offers report
Link to drunk Vogelbach
Link to EW Episode 1771
Link to Wicked Witch melting
Link to Ben on challenge changes
Link to Ben on ABS preseason
Link to Ben on ABS mix-ups
Link to AFL experiment results
Link to Doomsday promo video
Link to Doomsday article 1
Link to Doomsday article 2
Link to First Avenger article
Link to Doomsday Stewart article
Link to Professor X appearances
Link to X-Men movies wiki
Link to Doctor Doom wiki
Link to Ebbets Field wiki
Link to Earth-828 wiki
Link to EW superhero draft
Link to “Who’s on First?” clip
Link to “Who’s on First?” wiki
Link to Black House wiki

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Affiliate Technology & Data Fellow (Spokane WA, Fresno CA)
Baseball Analytics Fellow

Affiliate Technology & Data Fellow (Spokane WA, Fresno CA)

About Us
The Colorado Rockies Baseball Club is embracing the climb, committed to building a championship-caliber organization on the field, in the clubhouse, and throughout our business operations. Playing at altitude presents unique competitive challenges and opportunities, and we embrace innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to support elite performance. Rooted in the traditions of America’s pastime, we operate with integrity, service, quality, and trust while striving to create an exceptional experience for our players, staff, and fans.

Position Summary
The Affiliate Technology & Data Fellow supports Baseball Operations and the minor league coaching staff by coordinating day-to-day video and technology operations at an assigned affiliate. Approximately 75% of the role focuses on video capture, technology operations, and maintaining accurate, reliable video and data. The remaining responsibilities vary based on the fellow’s skills and may include analysis, scouting reports, research, model development, or on-field coaching support. This position requires reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with coaches, players, and Baseball Operations staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day video and technology operations for the assigned affiliate, supporting the coaching staff, players, and Player Development department.
• Capture, tag, and upload video for the assigned affiliate using BATS software for all games throughout the season, and collect video and data from bullpens, batting practice, and defensive work.
• Set up, test, and troubleshoot video and baseball technology equipment to support games, practices, and player development activities.
• Review captured video and collected data for accuracy, completeness, and timely availability, addressing or escalating issues as needed.
• Organize the use of other baseball technology (Trackman, Hawkeye, Edgertronic, Blast Motion, PitchBase, TruMedia, etc.) and share information as needed.
• Contribute to analysis of video, tracking, and performance data to produce reports for coaches, players, and other non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with coaches and analysts to prepare advance scouting materials for each series.
• Work with coaches and coordinators to create in-house instructional videos for demonstration, teaching, and development.

Additional Responsibilities
Depending on the fellow’s skills, career interests, and team needs:

• Support analytical projects, baseball research, model development, or scouting reports in collaboration with Research & Development, Baseball Technology, and coaching staff.
• Assist coaches with on-field drills, bullpens, and batting cage sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the front office.

Job Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of baseball rules, scoring, and statistics
• Passion for the game of baseball.
• Extremely motivated, with a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, with the desire to learn and grow.
• Detail-oriented, strong organizational skills, and multi-tasking abilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members of the Club’s on-field staff and players.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication.
• Consistent, punctual, and regular attendance, while presenting a professional image and demeanor.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining focus and accuracy.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in professional sports preferred.
• Experience working with baseball video, technology, and data preferred.
• Experience with data analysis, statistics, and data visualization (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Excel, Tableau) preferred.

Training & Development

• Fellows receive training in the video and technology systems, equipment, and workflows required for their daily responsibilities.
• Mentorship and project opportunities are tailored to the fellow’s skills and career interests, in alignment with team needs.

Work Schedule & Location

• This is a fellowship position, with specific hours and days to be determined based on the needs of the minor league team and the baseball season.
• The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Location: Spokane WA or Fresno CA.
• Travel with the assigned minor league team throughout the season is required.

Physical Job Requirements

• Most of the work involves being outside, standing, and handling equipment. Approximately 70% of the time will be spent standing and performing tasks related to equipment handling.
• About 30% of the work involves sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent typing and use of a mouse or other input devices are necessary. Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are essential.
• The role requires the ability to review and interpret detailed data and visualizations, necessitating good visual acuity and the ability to work with screens for extended periods.
• Regular communication via email, video calls, and in-person meetings. Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Pay: $17.40 per hour (Fresno); $17.73 per hour (Spokane). The assignment is expected to continue through Sept. or mid-Oct 2027. Total earnings will depend on hours worked, including applicable overtime. This role may come with a housing stipend for non-local candidates.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more, subject to plan eligibility and applicable policies.

Application Process:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by November 16, 2026. Please note that this is just an estimate, and the posting may be removed or extended at any time.
• The estimated time to complete the recruitment process will be by December 1, 2026.
• A note for Colorado Rockies employees:
  • Please apply via the internal job board in UKG by following these prompts: MENU > MYSELF > MY COMPANY > VIEW OPPORTUNITIES > select the position > CONSENT > APPLY NOW
  • If you cannot access UKG, please list your most recent Manager as an Employee Reference on your application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Rockies baseball is for everyone! We pride ourselves on hiring, developing, and promoting talent as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, we will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified job applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities in compliance with the ADA. All employment and promotion decisions will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs. The Colorado Rockies participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

Baseball Analytics Fellow

POSITION TITLE: Baseball Analytics Fellow
LOCATION: Denver, CO (Coors Field)
DEPARTMENT: Baseball Operations
REPORTS TO: Director, Baseball Research
STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt / Temporary assignment

ABOUT US
The Colorado Rockies Baseball Club is embracing the climb, committed to building a championship-caliber organization on the field, in the clubhouse, and throughout our business operations. Playing at altitude presents unique competitive challenges and opportunities, and we embrace innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to support elite performance. Rooted in the traditions of America’s pastime, we operate with integrity, service, quality, and trust while striving to create an exceptional experience for our players, staff, and fans.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Baseball Analytics Fellow will support Baseball Operations and Research & Development by preparing, analyzing, and communicating data-driven insights that inform game strategy, player evaluation, scouting, player development, and advance preparation. This role is designed for an early-career analyst with strong technical skills, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to apply quantitative methods to meaningful baseball questions.

In this role, you will work with analysts, coaches, scouts, and Baseball Operations leadership to develop reports, visualizations, models, and research outputs that are clear, timely, and actionable. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, communicates frequently, manages up effectively, and is comfortable supporting fluctuating baseball-season workflows.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advance Preparation & Game Strategy

• Assist in the preparation, quality review, and distribution of advance scouting reports for upcoming opponents.
• Monitor daily lineups, roster moves, transactions, and other league information to support game planning and analysis.
• Conduct ad hoc research to support end-game strategy development, including ABS-related questions and comparisons between players, teams, or game situations.
• Coordinate and deliver advanced reports to Major League staff in a timely, usable format.

Research, Modeling & Data Preparation

• Assist analysts with data preparation, validation, cleaning, and quality checks for modeling and reporting workflows.
• Support predictive modeling projects by preparing datasets, engineering features, checking assumptions, and validating outputs.
• Conduct research related to player development, scouting, player personnel, league trends, and other Baseball Operations priorities.
• Support R&D staff with highly technical analysis, model development, and exploratory research based on departmental needs and the Fellow’s skills and interests.

Reporting, Visualization & Communication

• Develop visualizations, dashboards, lightweight tools, and other mechanisms for disseminating analytical results across Baseball Operations.
• Translate complex technical findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide written summaries, presentations, and recommendations that clearly describe methodology, assumptions, limitations, and practical implications.
• Help maintain and QA internal datasets, reports, and recurring workflows to ensure accuracy and consistency across sources.

Operational Support

• Provide operational support across Baseball Operations and R&D, including recurring reporting, special projects, and time-sensitive requests.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and small-to-medium projects, driving them forward with limited day-to-day supervision.
• Collaborate with analysts, developers, scouts, coaches, and front office personnel to understand needs and deliver practical solutions.
• Contribute to a positive, curious, and collaborative Baseball Operations environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical, quantitative, or otherwise relevant field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Proficiency with SQL and at least one statistical programming language, such as R or Python.
• Experience preparing, cleaning, validating, and analyzing large or complex datasets.
• Foundational understanding of statistics, modeling, data visualization, and research design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain analytical work to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, communicate frequently, and proactively surface questions or risks.
• Passion for baseball and curiosity about using data to support player evaluation, player development, scouting, and in-game decision-making.

Preferred

• Degree or coursework in statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science, engineering, economics, operations research, physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience with AWS or another cloud environment.
• Experience using Git or similar version control workflows.
• Experience developing web applications, dashboards, or interactive tools, including R Shiny, Python-based web apps, or similar frameworks.
• Experience with machine learning, predictive modeling, simulation, computer vision, or player-tracking data.
• Prior experience using AI tools to support software development, application building, analysis, or workflow automation; experience with Claude or similar tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with public baseball research, baseball datasets, player evaluation concepts, scouting processes, or advanced scouting workflows.

SCHEDULE & TRAVEL

• This role follows the rhythm of the baseball season and requires flexibility based on game schedules, reporting cycles, and Baseball Operation’s needs.
• Workload and schedule may fluctuate throughout the season based on game schedules, trade deadlines, draft preparation, player evaluation cycles, and other departmental priorities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sedentary work: regularly required to remain in a stationary position, use a computer, communicate via phone/video/email, and review information on screens for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to move within an office or ballpark environment and attend meetings or events in person.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: at the rate of $60,000 per year. The role is expected to earn approximately $50,000 for the duration of the January 1-October 31 assignment.
• This role may come with a housing stipend for non-local candidates.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more, subject to plan eligibility and applicable policies.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by November 16, 2026. Please note that this is just an estimate, and the posting may be removed or extended at any time.
• The estimated time to complete the recruitment process will be by December 1, 2026.
• A note for Colorado Rockies employees:
  • Please apply via the internal job board in UKG by following these prompts: MENU > MYSELF > MY COMPANY > VIEW OPPORTUNITIES > select the position > CONSENT > APPLY NOW
  • If you cannot access UKG, please list your most recent Manager as an Employee Reference on your application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Rockies baseball is for everyone! We pride ourselves on hiring, developing, and promoting talent as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, we will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified job applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities in compliance with the ADA. All employment and promotion decisions will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs. The Colorado Rockies participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Colorado Rockies.

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Director, Integrated Performance

Director, Integrated Performance

Location: Papago, AZ
Position: Director, Integrated Performance
Reports to: Sr. Director of Player Development
Department: Player Development
Status: Full-Time; Exempt

Position Overview:
The San Francisco Giants are seeking a Director, Integrated Performance to join the Baseball Operations department.

The Director, Integrated Performance provides strategic leadership and oversight of Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Mental Skills, and Sports Science within Player Development. This position is responsible for aligning these disciplines to support individualized player development, optimize athletic performance, enhance readiness and promote long-term player growth. The Director establishes department standards, provides leadership and professional development to performance staff, and collaborates with coaches, medical personnel, and player development leadership to ensure performance strategies are effectively integrated into daily baseball operations.

Position Responsibilities:

Department Leadership and Accountability

• Provides leadership and oversight of the five performance disciplines, ensuring consistent standards, clearly defined responsibilities, and accountability across affiliates and complexes.
• Oversee staff development, performance evaluation, and professional growth while supporting collaborative and accountable team environment.
• Partner with Player Development leadership and front office on staffing recommendations resources allocation, budgets, and departmental planning.

Integrated Player Development

• Collaborate with baseball coordinators, coaches, and performance staff to develop and implement individualized player development plans based on assessments, player goals and baseball specific demands.
• Lead player evaluations and meetings to ensure alignment of recommendations, establish clear responsibilities and monitor progress towards development goals.
• Oversee programs focused on strength, power, speed, movement quality, fueling habits, recovery practices, and mental performance skills based on individual player’s needs and development stages.
• Coordinate training programs with baseball schedules and workloads to balance player development, preparation, and competitive readiness.
• Ensure consistent implementation of performance programs throughout the regular season, postseason, offseason and transitions.

Assessment and Decision Support

• Establish and oversee assessment and monitoring processes to evaluate player development, identify opportunities for improvement, and guide adjustments to individualized plans.
• Collaborate with analysts, R&D, and baseball operations personnel to translate sports science and biomechanical data into recommendations for coaches and players.
• Evaluate performance technologies, assessment tools, and training methodologies to support effective decision making and continuous program improvement. data quality, tool usefulness, and program effectiveness.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the performance disciplines and Player Development leadership, providing regular updates on player progress, staffing priorities, and operational needs.
• Partner with Medical staff regarding player workload, rehabilitation, and return-to-performance planning while maintaining appropriate medical oversight and decision-making authority.
• Support continuity of performance programming and player information across affiliates, complexes and transitions to the Major League level.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports Science or related field. Advanced degree or recognized performance credentials preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in professional sport or high-performance athletic environment including experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams and implementing athlete development programs. Baseball experience preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Mental Skills, and Sports Science.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling player information and organizational information.
• Willingness to travel to affiliates and complexes, and other organizational locations as needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the baseball schedule.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.

At the Giants, we believe we put our best work forward when our employees bring together ideas that are diverse in thought. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition or disability, genetic condition, marital status, domestic partnership status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status and any other protected class under federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special needs, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the San Francisco Giants.

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Audio intro: The Gagnés, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio outro: Ted O., “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to Ben on the Brewers
Link to Baumann on Game 5
Link to Jaffe on the Brewers
Link to ZiPS odds
Link to Rickey speech
Link to Contreras quote
Link to Orlovsky story
Link to Roffe hire
Link to MLBTR on Kleine
Link to Ball on Brewers/Rays
Link to Bryant play
Link to Theo quote
Link to Doyle tweet
Link to Ashby story
Link to Smoltz quote
Link to cWPA spreadsheet
Link to 2026 pivotal plays
Link to Sam on Chourio/Miller
Link to postseason HR leaders
Link to lockout primer

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Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for 12 of this year’s free agents — in this case, one last group of relievers.

Source

Fifty-seven years after their lone season as the Seattle Pilots, 56 after a used car salesman brought them to Milwaukee at the end of spring training, and 44 after they won their first pennant, the Milwaukee Brewers are world champions. After nearly completing a four-game sweep on Tuesday night before the Rays rallied in the 12th inning, they finished the job on Wednesday night with a 4-1 victory.

There’s plenty to be said about the individual performances of this year’s champions. William Contreras won World Series MVP honors by hitting .381/.435/.429, throwing out four would-be basestealers, and winning 10 out of 13 ABS challenges. Jackson Chourio gave Contreras a run for the money in the MVP race, tying a 98-year-old record held by Babe Ruth by collecting 10 hits over the first four games of the World Series, and leading all players with 11 hits and a .458 batting average. Cooper Pratt collected six straight hits in Games 4 and 5, batting .421/.455/.684 while leading all players in slugging percentage and RBI (seven). Aaron Ashby set a postseason reliever record with 18 consecutive scoreless innings, and allowed just one baserunner in 5.1 World Series innings while striking out nine. Likely National League Cy Young winner Jacob Misiorowski, seemingly low on gas during the first two rounds of the postseason, bookended the World Series with a pair of strong starts totaling 10.2 innings while allowing just one run. Speaking of bookends, Chourio, Contreras, and reliever Antonio Senzatela were all members of Team Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic-winning squad, joining Alex Bregman and Luke Gregerson of the 2017 Astros and Team USA as the only players to win both championships in the same calendar year.

Beyond all that, it’s worth placing the Brewers’ postseason run in some historical context. For starters, their eight straight wins — from Game 4 of the Division Series against the Padres through their four-game sweep of the two-time defending champion Dodgers in the League Championship Series to their first three wins over the Rays in the World Series — tied a single-season record held by the 2004 Red Sox, 2005 White Sox, 2014 Royals, and 2019 Nationals. (Such a record wouldn’t even have been possible before 1985, when the ALCS and NLCS expanded from a best-of-five series to a best of seven.) Additionally, the Brewers are the fifth team of the Wild Card Era (1995 onward) to lose two or fewer postseason games while winning it all. They very nearly became the third such team to do so with only one loss, but the baseball gods refused to cooperate with that version of this article.

Dating back to 1969, the dawn of division play, the multi-round playoff system, and the aforementioned Pilots — who joined the newly-founded American League West along with the expansion Kansas City Royals — the Brewers are the 13th championship winners to complete the postseason while losing no more than two games. They fell just short of becoming the second to sweep both the LCS and the World Series:

The 1976 Reds remain the only team to go undefeated through an entire postseason, with the caveat that the playoff format then featured just two rounds instead of three or four, and a best-of-five LCS. They were the second consecutive version of the Big Red Machine to win it all, a star-laden team that featured future Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Perez, as well as 17-time All-Star and former MVP Pete Rose (in his first full season at third base), nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove-winning shortstop Dave Concepcion, five-time All-Star left fielder George Foster, four-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder Cesar Geronimo, three-time All-Star right fielder Ken Griffey Sr., and 1976 NL Rookie of the Year Pat Zachry. They went 102-60 during the regular season, not quite as strong as their 1975 squad (108-54), but where those Reds eked out a thrilling seven-game World Series victory over the Red Sox after an NLCS sweep of the Pirates, the ’76 squad flattened everything in its path. They came from behind to win all three games of their NLCS over the Phillies; in the finale, they overcame late-inning deficits of 3-0 in the seventh inning and 6-4 in the ninth to clinch the pennant on Griffey’s walk-off single. Only in Game 4 of the World Series did they trail the Yankees, and that was for just three innings.

These Brewers were no strangers to trailing; indeed, they were comeback kings. Already the best team in the majors over the course of the regular season thanks to their 103 wins and +214 run differential, they seemed never to panic when they fell behind during this run. In eight of their 11 postseason victories, they trailed at one point or another before inevitably piecing together the necessary rally, usually while their dominant bullpen — which delivered a 1.38 ERA in 65 innings overall, highlighted by Ashby’s record-setting 18-inning scoreless streak — held the line. Twice they overcame early 4-0 deficits to win, first in the NLCS clincher against the Dodgers, when Shohei Ohtani finally broke through with a three-run second-inning homer off Dustin May, and then in Game 2 of the World Series, after the Rays piled up four first-inning runs against Logan Henderson.

Indeed, they were never out of any game, forced to play out the string and bide their time until the next contest. Both of their losses were by a single run, and they very nearly pulled those out games out, too. In Game 3 of the Division Series against the Padres, they were down 2-0 after three innings, tied the game (briefly) in the fifth, and had the tying run at second and the go-ahead run at first when Christian Yelich grounded into a game-ending double play. In Game 4 of the World Series, the Rays had early 1-0 and 2-1 leads, but Milwaukee sent the game into extra innings and then Pratt hit what might have stood as the series-clinching homer in the top of the 12th. They might have closed that one out had they not called upon Shane Drohan, their seventh reliever of the night, to pitch for the first time in 12 days.

Below I’ll have more on the other teams in the table, but first, here’s a second snapshot that goes beyond won-loss records to situate the Brewers in terms of Pythagorean winning percentage, based upon runs scored and allowed during their postseason run. This brings in one World Series winner who lost three postseason games but nonetheless handily outscored their opponents:

As with a couple of my recent forays into the topic, here I’m using a version of the Pythagorean formula called Pythagenpat. Bill James’ original Pythagorean formula, introduced in his self-published 1980 Baseball Abstract, estimates winning percentages using the formula Winning % = RS^2 /(RS^2 +RA^2). Further refinements by James and other sabermetricians have shown that using a slightly smaller exponent increases the accuracy of the estimate. The Pythagenpat formula, where the exponent (X) itself is a function of the scoring environment via the formula X = ((RS + RA)/G)^0.287, is the one we use for our Projected Standings pages. For this version, I’m using each postseason’s per-team, per-game scoring, which for the teams in that table has ranged from 2.81 in 1983 to 5.18 in ’89; this year, the average was 3.56 runs per game.

And now, some notes about the other teams in the table, starting with the Brewers’ Wild Card-era company.

1998-99 Yankees

Managed by Joe Torre and led by the homegrown Core Four of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera, plus Bernie Williams, the first two champions from the sport’s fourth (and most recent) threepeat started their run with an AL record-setting 114-48 regular season. They began the postseason by not only sweeping the Rangers, but holding them to one run over three games (a feat they would replicate the next year). They had a brief hiccup in the ALCS against a powerhouse Cleveland lineup featuring Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, falling behind two games to one due in part to Chuck Knoblauch’s braincramp in the 12th inning of Game 2, but they won the final three game to take the series, then swept the Padres in the World Series, with no. 9 hitter Scott Brosius taking home MVP honors thanks to a .471/.471/.824 performance with two home runs.

The next season, after acquiring reigning Cy Young winner Roger Clemens in February, they went 98-64, steamrolled the Rangers, then for the first time squared off against their AL East rivals, the Red Sox, during the ALCS. They scratched out a pair of one-run wins during the first two games but were trounced 13-1 in Game 3, the much ballyhooed Clemens-Pedro Martinez matchup, then rebounded to take the next two games in Fenway Park. In a rematch of the 1996 World Series, they swept the Braves while holding them to nine runs over four games, wrapping things up with Clemens outdueling John Smoltz in the finale (the first World Series clincher this scribe attended).

2005 White Sox

A year after the Red Sox laid their 86-year championship drought to rest, the White Sox did the same to their own 88-year drought. After going 99-63 during the regular season, they swept the defending champions in the Division Series, overcame a loss to the Angels in the ALCS opener, then reeled off eight straight wins to take the ALCS and World Series. Paul Konerko, who hit 40 homers during the regular season, added five more in the postseason while the durable four-man rotation of Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland delivered at least seven innings in all but one start. In Games 2–5 of the ALCS, that quartet threw four straight complete games, a mind-boggling accomplishment in a 21st-century context, and for the series needed just one reliever (Neal Cotts) who recorded all of two outs. For as emphatic as their World Series sweep was, all four games against the Astros were decided by either one or two runs, capped by a 1-0 win in the clincher.

2022 Astros

After going 106-56 during the regular season, the squad led by Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Bregman, and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander won its fourth pennant in a six-year span and second in a row under manager Dusty Baker. After squeezing past the Mariners by a total of four runs during their three-game ALDS sweep, they laid a four-game sweep on the Yankees in the ALCS, holding them to a .162/.232/.269 batting line with nine runs. The World Series was much more competitive, as the Bryce Harper– and Kyle Schwarber-led Phillies took a two-games-to-one series lead before the Astros turned things around, starting with the first combined no-hitter in World Series history thanks to Cristian Javier and three relievers in Game 4. Over the final three games, they held Philadelphia to just three runs, and earned Baker his first World Series ring in 25 years of managing.

Moving on to the other pre-Wild Card Era teams with two losses or fewer…

1989 Athletics

The second of three straight Oakland pennant winners under manager Tony La Russa, these A’s were the only ones of that trio to win a championship. After going 99-63 during the regular season, they rolled over the Blue Jays in a five-game ALCS that featured series MVP Rickey Henderson hitting .400/.609/1.000 with two homers, seven walks, zero strikeouts, and eight steals. Their Bay Area World Series against the Giants was marred by the Loma Prieta earthquake, which killed 63 people, injured 3,757 and necessitated a 10-day hiatus before Game 3 could be played. Because of that delay, they only needed two starting pitchers, Dave Stewart and Mike Moore, with the former winning World Series MVP honors.

1969 Mets

In their first seven years of existence (1962-68), the Mets never won more than 73 games in a season or finished above ninth place in a 10-team league, but in 1969 under manager Gil Hodges, they rocketed to 100 wins, then swept a Braves team led by future Hall of Famers Henry Aaron, Orlando Cepeda, and Phil Niekro in the first NLCS. Facing the 109-win Orioles in the World Series, they lost the opener 4-1, but won the next four behind Series MVP Donn Clendenon’s three homers and the work of young starters Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, and Gary Gentry, thus pulling off one of the most stunning upsets in the history of the Fall Classic.

1970 Orioles

A year after being upset by the Mets, the Orioles won 108 games, then swept the Twins in the ALCS, collectively hitting .330/.395/.550 while scoring 36 runs in those three games. They continued to rake (.292/.366/.509) during the World Series against the Reds, setting a record for a five-game series with 10 homers, including two apiece by Brooks Robinson — who earned MVP honors on the strength of several jaw-dropping defensive plays — Frank Robinson, and Boog Powell, plus a grand slam by pitcher Dave McNally. While Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver led the Orioles to four pennants, including three in a row from 1969–71, this was his only championship.

1984 Tigers

Under former Big Red Machine manager Sparky Anderson, and led by the homegrown nucleus of Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, Lance Parrish, Jack Morris, and Dan Petry, the Tigers bolted from the gate by winning 35 of their first 40 games and finishing with 104 wins. They held the Royals to four runs in the last three-game LCS, never trailing at any point, and while they lost Game 2 of the World Series against the Padres, it was their only lapse. Trammell won Series MVP honors on the strength of a .450/.500/.800 performance with two homers.

1990 Reds

In the first season after Rose was placed on the permanently ineligible list for gambling, Lou Piniella guided the Reds to their first division title in 11 seasons. Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo and Jose Rijo were the stars, while the Nasty Boys bullpen trio of righty Rob Dibble and lefties Norm Charlton and Randy Myers locked down the late innings; Cincinnati relievers combined for a 0.29 ERA in 31.1 postseason innings, including 13 scoreless in the World Series. The Reds won a tight six-game NLCS over the Pirates, with three of their wins of the one-run variety. The World Series against the A’s was comparatively smooth sailing, as they won two lopsided games and two more by a single run, with Rijo the MVP on the basis of 15.1 innings of one-run work.

1974 Athletics

With Alvin Dark taking over as manager after Dick Williams resigned, the colorful, mustachio’d A’s — who starred future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, and Catfish Hunter, as well as Sal Bando, Vida Blue, and Joe Rudi — won just 90 regular season games, and lost the ALCS opener to the Orioles, 6-1. Then, as though they flipped a switch, they held Baltimore to one run the rest of the way, with Ken Holtzman and Blue delivering back-to-back shutouts in Games 2 and 3. In the first all-California World Series, they beat the Dodgers while using just five pitchers, with Fingers winning World Series MVP honors.

1983 Orioles

After Weaver retired when the Orioles fell just short of a playoff spot in 1982 — they lost to the Brewers on the final day of the regular season, giving Milwaukee the playoff berth that preceded the team’s first pennant — Joe Altobelli took over and guided Baltimore to 98 wins and a division title, with Cal Ripken Jr. winning AL MVP honors. In the postseason, Orioles pitchers did the best job of run prevention of any team in the division play era, allowing just 1.33 runs per game, with starters Scott McGregor and Mike Boddicker leading the way to a 1.10 ERA. They lost the ALCS opener to the White Sox 2-1, but outscored Chicago 18-1 over the next three games. Likewise, they suffered another 2-1 loss in the World Series opener to the “Wheeze Kids” Phillies, who featured the over-40 versions of Rose, Morgan, and Perez, as well as future Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton. Baltimore bounced back, winning the next four games by a combined 17-7 score.

Finally, the lone straggler from near the top of the Pythagenpat list — and also the only three-loss team here.

2007 Red Sox

After winning 96 games and the AL East, the Red Sox — who featured a prime David Ortiz, a Cy Young-caliber Josh Beckett, a still-potent Ramirez, and Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia — trounced the Angels in a three-game sweep by a combined score of 19-4. They were put to the test in a seven-game ALCS, rallying from a three-games-to-one deficit against Cleveland by outscoring them 30-5 over the final three games. In the World Series, they faced the red-hot Rockies, who had won 14 out of their final 15 regular season games to claim the NL Wild Card, then seven straight to sweep both the Phillies in the NLDS and the Diamondbacks in the NLCS. That left Colorado with eight days to kill before the World Series, and they lost their mojo. Boston outscored them 29-10 and trailed for just three innings during their four-game sweep.

That’s 12 teams besides the Brewers in this deep dive. It’s impressive company, if not as select as it would have been had Milwaukee wrapped things up on Tuesday night. Somehow, I don’t think the Brewers and their fans will spend too much time lamenting that. Congratulations to a worthy and long-awaited championship team.

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