If you use a simple run estimator, like runs created, & run the same formula for the opposition, & then figure the pythagorean expectation for the differential, the Padres in 1982 probably should've been a few games under .500 & probably should've lost over 90 games in 1983. In 1984, the Padres created one more run than their opponents did, but won the division. In 1985, the Padres created one fewer run than their opposition did, & finished a tiny bit above .500.
Perhaps Dick Williams was a savant, or perhaps they were insanely lucky. Maybe both? But, either way, they did in fact move from being a laughingstock to being an adequate ballclub.
Interesting - I looked at his Wikipedia page and saw that he banned beer in the Padres' clubhouse in 1986 for "insurance liability reasons." Maybe that's why they were so bad that year.
If you use a simple run estimator, like runs created, & run the same formula for the opposition, & then figure the pythagorean expectation for the differential, the Padres in 1982 probably should've been a few games under .500 & probably should've lost over 90 games in 1983. In 1984, the Padres created one more run than their opponents did, but won the division. In 1985, the Padres created one fewer run than their opposition did, & finished a tiny bit above .500.
Perhaps Dick Williams was a savant, or perhaps they were insanely lucky. Maybe both? But, either way, they did in fact move from being a laughingstock to being an adequate ballclub.
Ouch, shots fired at Ballard Smith there. All facts, still smacks.
Interesting - I looked at his Wikipedia page and saw that he banned beer in the Padres' clubhouse in 1986 for "insurance liability reasons." Maybe that's why they were so bad that year.