When evaluating the strength of an MLB division, there are multiple routes you can take. You can, for example, simply count the number of playoff teams. Or, perhaps, you compare it to the other five divisions to see how it stacks up by total wins or combined OPS.
But what about when every team in a division can realistically win more games than they lose? It doesn't necessarily mean every team is great, but it's certainly impressive in its own way, perhaps even strong -- especially considering the rarity with which it has occurred.
Only twice in the Divisional Era (since 1969) has a single division had no losing teams, and it's been 20 years since it last happened.
Here are those two divisions that saw every team finish at .500 or better:
MLB divisions with no losing teams (since 1969)
2005 NL East
- Braves: 90-72
- Phillies: 88-74
- Marlins: 83-79
- Mets: 83-79
- Nationals: 81-81
What to know: The Braves' division title was the last in their run of 14 straight that began in 1991. But there were other noteworthy things to emerge in the divisional race. Each team in the division had at least one player who received an MVP vote, and each had at least one player who led the league in a major statistical category. The five teams also featured a combined eight future Hall of Famers, plus others like Miguel Cabrera and Chase Utley who could be inducted within a few years.
Highlights: Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hit 22 homers and had a 133 OPS+ on his way to being named NL Rookie of the Year. Jones hit an MLB-leading 51 homers and finished second in MVP voting behind Albert Pujols. Mets shortstop José Reyes led MLB with 17 triples and led the NL with 60 stolen bases. Marlins lefty Dontrelle Willis earned an MLB-best 22 wins and also led all starters with five shutouts, while Nationals closer Chad Cordero led MLB with 47 saves.
1991 AL West
- Twins: 95-67
- White Sox: 87-75
- Rangers: 85-77
- A's: 84-78
- Mariners: 83-79
- Royals: 82-80
- Angels: 81-81
What to know: The 1991 Twins hit an MLB-best .280 as a team and had an OPS of .764, just one point off the MLB lead (Rangers). They then rode that to a World Series championship. The division featured 19 All-Stars, 14 players who received MVP votes (including five from the Twins) and 16 future Hall of Famers. The collective OPS of the division was .728, the best in baseball. The strength of the AL West in '91 is especially impressive because it had seven teams in those days.
Highlights: Twins righty Scott Erickson tied for the MLB lead with 20 wins and finished second in the AL Cy Young voting, one of three Minnesota starters (Jack Morris, Kevin Tapani) to finish in the Top 10. Minnesota second baseman Chuck Knoblauch hit .281 on his way to the AL Rookie of the Year Award. The Rangers' Julio Franco hit .341 to win the AL batting crown, while hurler Nolan Ryan's 10.56 K/9 ratio was tops in baseball. A's slugger Jose Canseco tied for the MLB lead with 44 homers, while Royals outfielder Danny Tartabull's .593 slugging percentage was the best in MLB. Meanwhile, White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas led all players with 138 walks, which helped power an MLB-leading .453 on-base percentage and 1.006 OPS. Angels closer Bryan Harvey led the AL with 46 saves.