Congratulations to the Washington Nationals and Cincinnati Reds
Washington is returning to the postseason for the first time since 1933. By defeating the Dodgers last night, 4-1, the Nats clinched at least a Wild Card slot. Washington’s magic number to win the NL East was reduced to eight as Washington’s lead over idle Atlanta grew to 5.5 games. Washington was last in the postseason 79 years ago, when player-manager Joe Cronin and the Senators lost to the New York Giants in five games in the World Series.
The Cincinnati Reds cut its magic number to two for winning the NL Central leaders but by defeating the Cubs, 5-3, they ensured themselves of at least a wild-card spot.
The Mets were mathematically eliminated from the postseason.
The Brewers were mathematically eliminated from winning the division title.
The Giants will clinch a tie for the division title if they win and the Dodgers lose.
Look at the progression of the Nationals:
| Rk | Year | W | L | Finish | R | RA | Managers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012 | 91 | 58 | .611 | 1st of 5 | 666 | 534 | Davey Johnson (91-58) |
| 2 | 2011 | 80 | 81 | .497 | 3rd of 5 | 624 | 643 | Jim Riggleman (38-37), John McLaren (2-1) and Davey Johnson (40-43) |
| 3 | 2010 | 69 | 93 | .426 | 5th of 5 | 655 | 742 | Jim Riggleman (69-93) |
| 4 | 2009 | 59 | 103 | .364 | 5th of 5 | 710 | 874 | Manny Acta (26-61) and Jim Riggleman (33-42) |
| 5 | 2008 | 59 | 102 | .366 | 5th of 5 | 641 | 825 | Manny Acta (59-102) |
| 6 | 2007 | 73 | 89 | .451 | 4th of 5 | 673 | 783 | Manny Acta (73-89) |
| 7 | 2006 | 71 | 91 | .438 | 5th of 5 | 746 | 872 | Frank Robinson (71-91) |
| 8 | 2005 | 81 | 81 | .500 | 5th of 5 | 639 | 673 | Frank Robinson (81-81) |
The Reds progression:
| Rk | Year | W | L | Ties | Finish | Playoffs | R | RA | Managers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012 | 91 | 59 | 0 | .607 | 1st of 6 | 641 | 558 | Dusty Baker (91-59) | |
| 2 | 2011 | 79 | 83 | 0 | .488 | 3rd of 6 | 735 | 720 | Dusty Baker (79-83) | |
| 3 | 2010 | 91 | 71 | 0 | .562 | 1st of 6 | Lost LDS (3-0) | 790 | 685 | Dusty Baker (91-71) |
| 4 | 2009 | 78 | 84 | 0 | .481 | 4th of 6 | 673 | 723 | Dusty Baker (78-84) | |
| 5 | 2008 | 74 | 88 | 0 | .457 | 5th of 6 | 704 | 800 | Dusty Baker (74-88) | |
| 6 | 2007 | 72 | 90 | 0 | .444 | 5th of 6 | 783 | 853 | Jerry Narron (31-51) and Pete Mackanin (41-39) | |
| 7 | 2006 | 80 | 82 | 0 | .494 | 3rd of 6 | 749 | 801 | Jerry Narron (80-82) | |
| 8 | 2005 | 73 | 89 | 1 | .451 | 5th of 6 | 820 | 889 | Dave Miley (27-43) and Jerry Narron (46-46) |
