#3/4 Seeded Teams

#3 1977 Chicago White Sox

Original Season Record: 90-72, .556, 3rd place, AL West

Star Attractions: OFéDH Oscar Gamble led the White Sox with a .386 on-base percentage, .588 slugging percentage, .974 OPS and 31 HR.  OF Richie Zisk hit 30 homers, led the team with 101 RBI and was 2nd on the team in both slugging percentage at .514 and OPS at .869.

Also Featuring: CF Chet Lemon rounded out a loaded outfield with team highs in 2B, 38, and runs scored with 99.  Lerrin LaGrow was one of the top closers in the league with a 2.46 ERA and 25 saves in 98.6 IP.

Potential Pitfalls: While the Sox were an excellent slugging team offensively, pitching was a different story with an ERA of 4.25 ranking 10th out of 14 teams with every starting pitcher having ERAs above 4.  Defence was also an issue with limited range in the outfield and middle infield. Their system of playing four outfielders regularly with one usually in the DH slot will be tested with only six road games (at the 1977 Royals) in which the DH will be employed in this qualifying league.

#4 1927 Washington Senators

Original Season Record: 85-69 .552, 3rd place, AL 

Star Attractions: HOF LF Goose Goslin led the offence with 15 HR, 13 3B, 120 RBI, 21 SB, a .334 average, .516 slugging percentage and .908 OPS.  Bump Hadley had an exceptional season, going 14-6 with a team best 2.85 ERA.

Also Featuring: HOF CF Tris Speaker hit .327 with a.395 on-base percentage and led the team with 43 2B.  Muddy Ruel was one of the top catchers in the league, leading the team with a .403 on-base percentage while throwing out 43 percent of attempting base stealers.  Hod Lisenbee led the pitching with 18 wins and 242 IP .  Garland Braxton tied for the AL lead with 13 saves and led the league with 58 appearances and a 1.14 WHIP in 155.3 IP.

Potential Pitfalls: There is a significant dropoff from the top two starters to the other two regulars in the starting rotation.  The offence also lacks firepower with Goslin leading the team with 13 homers and only 16 combined from the rest of the roster.