Is there a regular season win total most World Series Champions achieve?
by John Kincade If the Phillies are going to be legitimately considered a post-season threat there is a barometer of history we can take into consideration. If we remove the…
PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 29: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs with a “2008” championship flag as fans celebrate after the Phillies won 4-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
by John Kincade
If the Phillies are going to be legitimately considered a post-season threat there is a barometer of history we can take into consideration. If we remove the 2020 Pandemic shortened season, there have been 21 champions. Four times in those 21 years the champion has failed to win 90 games. Thirteen times the champion has been in the 90’s. There have been 4 100 win outliers.
Since the year 2000, the World Series Champion has averaged 94.7 wins.
2021 - Braves 88
2019 - Nationals 93
2018 - Red Sox 108
2017 - Astros 101
2016 - Cubs 103
2015 - Royals 95
2014 - Giants 88
2013 - Red Sox 97
2012 - Giants 94
2011 - Cardinals 90
2010 - Giants 92
2009 - Yankees 103
2008 - Phillies 92
2007 - Red Sox 96
2006 - Cardinals 83
2005 - White Sox 99
2004 - Red Sox 98
2003 - Marlins 91
2002 - Angels 99
2001 - Diamondbacks 92
2000 - Yankees 87
Here’s what is odd about the Phillies pursuit of 90+ wins. If they end up in the neighborhood of wins previous champions have achieved there will be a major difference. The 2008 Phillies won 92 games and this team has a chance to be better. This year they will be a 3rd place club instead of a division champion. So I ask, what team is better? If a 3rd place club has more wins than a 1st place club aren’t they technically more accomplished? Isn’t it harder to win more games as a 3rd place club?
The playoff format is completely different and a wild card format forces you into a 3 game road playoff series. Truth is the fans won’t care. There are a lot of thirsty people who just want to see the Phillies in the playoffs. As long as this is the launching off point season, I’ll be thrilled.
