Will the Diamondbacks be added to the group?
With 89 wins in 2024, the Diamondbacks became one of 17 teams to have a streak of 4 consecutive seasons with higher wins than the prior season. Their streak is worth noting because the Diamondbacks (and the Rays) have only existed for 27 seasons (most teams existed much longer).
The Six Remarkable Teams.
The Diamondbacks are one season away from being in a group with six remarkable teams. All they need is 90 wins to reach 5 consecutive seasons with more wins than the prior season. Six teams have at some point in their history achieved 5 or 6 consecutive seasons with higher wins in each season. And only two teams (Royals and Phillies) did it in the last 20 years.
Nearly all streaks started by bouncing back from a losing season. The lone exception was the Phillies, whose streak started from 85 wins and ended at 102 wins (2006 to 2011).
What is last season’s win-loss record for the six remarkable teams? Five of the six had winning records. So did the Diamondbacks. Details follow:
- Dodgers, 98-64.
- Phillies, 95-67.
- Braves, 89-73.
- Mets, 89-73.
- Royals, 85-76.
- A’s, 69-93.
Mike Hazen, the Diamondbacks GM, said his young players are maturing, which in the long haul turns into a high floor to build with. For next season, if that high floor is 89 wins (my view), then the Diamondbacks will likely to be added to the group of six remarkable teams.
When asked whether last seaon advanced the trajectory of the team: “…Winning 5 more games. Having an offense that led the league in runs. Having young players continue to grow and to mature into better players which in the long haul turns into a high floor to start to build with. We have superstar players on the roster. Yes, I think our team from a base standpoint has moved forward…” —Mike Hazen, Wolf and Luke interview, 12 November 2024
Recipes for Success.
How did the remarkable teams achieve the consecutive improvements in wins? In my dreams, the remarkable teams shared with me their recipes for success. In the real world, it’s up to me to think of some general ideas that are likely part of their recipes. You are welcome to add your insights in the comment section. My thoughts follow:
- Superior player development results in a steady stream of excellent players from the minors.
- Better game preparation gives an advantage.
- Players and coaches have a mindset of improvement every day.
- The team is aware of MLB trends (changes in approach by other teams) and leverages those trends.
- The team is open to trying new ideas, and they keep the ideas that work.
- The team knows the strengths and weaknesses of every player, and that guides decisions.
- The team has adequate depth to cover during each injury recovery.
- The team has a focus on consistency of execution (while at the same time unleashing their “superstar” players).
- The team does the little things very well, which makes a big impact.
- The team has great tactics/strategy that contribute to winning in uncommon ways.
Also, team cultures are powerful. Team cultures are created by the Managers and the GMs. The Diamondbacks are fortunate to have Torey Lovullo and Mike Hazen in those positions.
“We do a great job of vetting and bringing in the right guys. This is a very strong culture. The players built that culture. They carry it around every single day.” — Torey Lovullo, March 2024.
“…And we had a great clubhouse culture and a hardworking environment.” — Mike Hazen, Wolf and Luke interview, 12 November 2024
My view is that some managers/GMs are at their best when their team wins 100 games in a season and strongly competes to reach the World Series. Other managers are at their best when they can improve their team. Torey Lovullo and Mike Hazen are in the latter group. In 2023, their success in reaching the World Series, as well as their streak of seasons with more wins than the prior season, speaks volumes about being at their best with the Diamondbacks.