Now that the 2009 Postseason is over, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the postseason participants from 2001 to 2009.
In the American League, currently ten teams (out of fourteen), for a 71% participation rate, have made it to the postseason in the 21st century. They are: Yankees: eight times (one WS win - 2009), Angels: six times (one WS win - 2002), Red Sox: six times (two WS wins – 2004, 2007), Twins: five times, Athletics: four times, Indians: two times, White Sox: two times (one WS win - 2005), Mariners: one time, Rays: one time, Tigers: one time.
In the National League, currently thirteen teams (out of sixteen), for an 81% participation rate, have made it to the postseason in the 21st century. They are: Cardinals: six times (one WS win - 2006), Braves: five times, Dodgers: four times, Astros: three times, Cubs: three times, Diamondbacks: three times (one WS win - 2001), Phillies: three times (one WS win - 2008), Giants: two times, Padres: two times, Rockies: two times, Brewers: one time, Marlins: one time (one WS win - 2003), Mets: one time.
Four out of the five World Series championships won by the American League were by teams that had been to the postseason six or more times, with the fifth win by a two-time participant. One out of the four World Series championships won by the National League was by a team that had been to the postseason six times, with two wins by two three-time participants and one win by a one-time participant.
In the American League, four teams are regular participants in the postseason this century with five or more appearances (Yankees – 8, Angels – 6, Red Sox – 6, Twins – 5). In the National League, two teams are regular participants in the postseason this century with five or more appearances (Cardinals – 6 and Braves – 5). Based on the current frequency of participation, the most likely combination of the American League postseason teams is easy to predict, while the National League postseason teams are harder to predict – more consistency in which teams participant from the American League, than from the National League. However, I am predicting the following for 2010:
Possible 2010 postseason participants
AL East Yankees
AL Central Twins
AL West Angels
AL WC Red Sox
NL East Braves
NL Central Cardinals
NL West Diamondbacks
NL WC Astros
The possible American League 2010 postseason participants are the same ones as in 2009. The possible National League 2010 postseason participants is a new combination, not yet seen this century. Of course, anything can happen in baseball and an unexpected breakout team is always a possibility. Perhaps the Orioles or Royals will be a surprise in the AL or the Nationals or Pirates in the NL But any potential surprises won’t begin for another five months – can’t wait!
