So did the 2019 Dodgers
And so, too, did the 2018 Dodgers.
Leading one’s league in runs scored and fewest runs allowed in consecutive seasons is rare. Thanks to a data query run by Baseball-Reference.com, we know that the 1970 and ’71 Orioles did it. The 1942, ’44 and ’46 Cardinals did it three times in five wartime seasons. But no team had done it for three straight seasons since the Joe DiMaggio Yankees of the 1930s.
In fact, New York led the American League in runs scored and fewest runs allowed an incredible four seasons in a row from 1936 to ’39. The Yankees won the World Series all four years.
While the Dodgers of recent vintage can’t match those Yankees teams’ success in October, they have racked up many accolades of their own, including eight straight National League West division titles, a pair of NL pennants in 2017 and 2018 and a World Series championship in 2020.
Los Angeles came away with only one Commissioner’s Trophy in three trips to the World Series in a four-season span, but the teams that defeated the Dodgers in October—the 2017 Astros and 2018 Red Sox—were two of the stronger champions of the expansion era (since 1961).
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OLD MEETS NEW
Brian Snitker expertly navigated the Braves to a third straight division title despite myriad pitching injuries
Focusing on the Northeast pays off for the Indians
Over the past few years, the Indians have mined the Northeast for talent. The 2020 team got big-time contributions from former college righthanders Aaron Civale (Northeastern) and James Karinchak (Bryant). Waiting in the wings are three more prospects from the region, all from high school: third baseman Nolan Jones (Bensalem, Pa.), catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) and righthander Lenny Torres (Beacon, N.Y). All five of those players were signed by area scout Mike Kanen, a former Baseball America intern. BA recently spoke with Kanen about his first impressions of those players. The interview is edited for brevity.
SECRET WEAPON
Bobby Dickerson was integral in transforming the Padres’ infield from error-prone to October-caliber
TRUST THE TOOLS
The minor league season was lost, but dynasty players should keep the faith for these nine prospects
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: FEW TEAMS CAN MATCH THE DODGERS' DOMINANCE
The 2020 Dodgers led the National League in runs scored and fewest runs allowed.
BLUEPRINT
From scouting to player development to analytics to acquisition, the Dodgers cover all the bases as baseball’s model franchise.
COAST TO COAST
Andrew Friedman has more money to play with in Los Angeles than he did in Tampa Bay, but his core principles remain unchanged— just like the results
WINTER OF DISCONTENT
The hot stove could quickly turn to deep freeze
A MODERN-DAY CRASH DAVIS
Cody Decker mashed his way into the hearts of minor league fans
A LASTING LEGACY
All-star player. Decorated manager. Ambassador for the Dominican Republic. Felipe Alou wore many hats, but above all he was a pioneer who helped pave the way for generations of Latino players.
LOVER RACHEL TWISTING SEX ADDICT TIGER'S TAIL!
Rachel Uchitel is making the most of her wild escapades with the golf great
A Man For All Seasons
THE RED SOX SOLD BABE RUTH TO THE YANKEES 100 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH—AND THE ONCE “HOPELESS INCORRIGIBLE” KID FROM BALTIMORE MADE BOTH THE NATIONAL PASTIME AND AMERICA BIGGER AND BETTER.
2019 Topps Transcendent Baseball
Brings Autographs, Ken Griffey Jr. Vip Event, Big Price Tag
Aaron Judge Hasn't Yet Reached The Heights Of His Ability
Aaron Judge – all 6-foot-7 of him – hasn’t yet reached the heights of his ability
Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig On His New Mindset
New manager, new routine, new attitude: Yasiel Puig reveals the motivation behind his transformation.
Dodgers look to end 32-year World Series title drought
ARLINGTON (AFP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers, one win away from ending a 32-year World Series title drought, are trying to keep their focus on the nuts and bolts of today’s Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kershaw fans six, Dodgers ride homers to beat Rays, move a win away from title
ARLINGTON (AFP) — The Los Angels Dodgers shook off a crushing defeat to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on Sunday and move within one victory of their first World Series title in 32 years.
LA regains series lead behind Turner, Buehler
LA DODGERS 6, TAMPA BAY 2