21. 2003 New York Yankees
- Recap: 101-61, won AL East, lost in World Series to Marlins
- Hitting: .271 batting average, .453 slugging percentage
- Pitching: 4.03 ERA
- Run differential: 877-716 (+161)
- Comment: Stellar rotation of Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens and David Wells and a star-studded lineup was upset by Florida.
22. 2008 Chicago Cubs
- Recap: 97-64, won NL Central, swept in NLDS by Dodgers
- Hitting: .278 batting average, .443 slugging percentage
- Pitching: 3.87 ERA
- Run differential: 855-671 (+184)
- Comment: Statistically impressive all season, but choked in the playoffs.
23. 2006 Minnesota Twins
- Recap: 96-66, won AL Central, lost in ALDS to A's
- Hitting: .287 batting average, .425 slugging percentage
- Pitching: 3.95 ERA
- Run differential: 801-683 (+118)
- Comment: Johan Santana, Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter and Justin Morneau seemed primed for a run, but lost in the first round.
24. 2006 New York Yankees
- Recap: 97-65, won AL East, lost to Tigers in ALDS
- Hitting: .285 batting average, .461 slugging percentage
- Pitching: 4.43 ERA
- Run differential: 930-767 (+163)
- Comment: A typical mid-decade Yankees team - fantastic hitting, suspect pitching, early exit from playoffs.
25. 2009 Los Angeles Dodgers
- Recap: 95-67, won NL West, lost in NLCS to Phillies
- Hitting: .270 batting average, .412 slugging percentage
- Pitching: 3.41 ERA
- Run differential: 780-611 (+169)
- Comment: Just call this the Joe Torre page - Dodgers were best in the NL in 2009 until the playoffs.
Next five: 2009 Phillies (93-69, lost World Series); 2002 A's (103-59, lost in ALDS); 2004 Yankees (101-61, lost in ALCS); 2003 Braves (101-61, lost in NLDS); 2003 Red Sox (95-67, lost in ALCS).
