5 weeks in the past — earlier than a pitch was thrown this season — it could not have been troublesome to foretell that golf equipment comparable to perennial rebuilders Pittsburgh and Baltimore can be trade-deadline sellers, as would offseason teardown artists Cincinnati and Oakland.
The Cubs and Nationals have been enormous sellers final July, and there would have been no eyes rolled should you anticipated the identical this season.
However we already are seeing how the sellers’ facet may turn into extra crowded. It’s as a result of the game is extra cut up between haves and have nots than ever earlier than. And that doesn’t appear to be a fluke. It appears to be a development.
Within the 10 seasons from 2008-17, there have been 11 whole groups that completed with 100 losses. Within the final three full seasons (2018, 2019, 2021), there even have been 11. From 2002-2016, there have been a mixed 14 groups that gained 100 video games. Within the final 4 full seasons (add 2017 to the earlier group), there have been 13.
