The Royals Broke All the Rules (And Won) | Baseball Bits

This paragraph discusses the characteristics of successful baseball teams, emphasizing the importance of good pitching and hitting to score more runs. It highlights the unusual case of the 1987 Twins who won the World Series despite a negative run differential. The paragraph also questions whether stealing bases or hitting home runs are key to winning, referencing Babe Ruth's power hitting and the trade-offs it involves, such as increased strikeouts which are detrimental to scoring. The 2014 and 2015 Kansas City Royals are introduced as a team that defied norms, winning two pennants and a World Series without relying on power hitting or stealing bases. The introduction of the Statcast era and its impact on baseball is also mentioned, suggesting that it has led to a focus on launch angle, exit velocity, and spin rate, which may not necessarily correlate with winning. The Royals are portrayed as a team with a distinct identity that played a specific style of baseball, contrasting with the analytical approach of teams like the Houston Astros.

The second paragraph delves into the Kansas City Royals' surprising success during their 2014 and 2015 championship runs. It points out that the Royals were not focused on the 'three true outcomes' of home runs, walks, and strikeouts, which were becoming increasingly popular in the Statcast era. Instead, they had a remarkably low rate of these outcomes, making them a significant outlier compared to other teams. The Royals' strategy involved fewer strikeouts, walks, and home runs, which is suggested as a potential model for other teams to consider. The paragraph also discusses the correlation between home runs and wins, indicating that while there are exceptions, hitting home runs is generally beneficial for a team's success. The Royals' unique approach to baseball, including their lack of reliance on power hitting, is contrasted with the prevailing trends in the sport.

This paragraph highlights the Kansas City Royals' aggressive base running and exceptional defense as key components of their success. Memorable moments from their playoff games are recounted, such as the 2014 wild card game against the Oakland Athletics and Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. The Royals' base running is characterized by steals and daring plays, with players like Gerard Dyson and Terrence Gore exemplifying this aggressive style. The paragraph also discusses the Royals' defensive capabilities, particularly in their outfield, with Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, and Dyson forming a highly effective defensive unit. The Royals' defensive excellence is contrasted with the modern focus on metrics like Outs Above Average, and it is suggested that their success was not just a product of their offense but also their strong defense.

The final paragraph examines the Kansas City Royals' bullpen, which played a crucial role in their success during the mid-2010s. It discusses the performances of key bullpen pitchers like Wade Davis, Greg Holland, and Kelvin Herrera, who contributed significantly to the team's victories. The Royals are credited with demonstrating the value of a strong bullpen, a strategy that has since been adopted by other teams. The paragraph also addresses the financial constraints that the Royals faced, which ultimately prevented them from maintaining their success as a dynasty. Despite their achievements, the team could not retain key players like Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer, who left for more lucrative contracts elsewhere. The Royals' story is presented as a rebellion against the homogeneity of modern baseball and a testament to the fact that there are multiple paths to winning a World Series.