In this issue of Math in the News we look at the remarkable success of the Washington Nationals baseball team. In the process we look at the success of new baseball franchises and why this happens. For more math resources go to www.media4math.com.

1. Math in the News
The Washington Nationals
After decades, Washington,
DC, has a baseball team in the
playoffs. The Washington
Nationals, after only eight
seasons of being in DC are in
the playoffs.
While the Nationals are not a
new franchise (they used to be
the Montreal Expos), they are
still an example of new-team
success.
In this issue we look at
successful new franchises.

2. Math in the News
This chart shows the games won and lost for
the National. Since their fourth year, they’ve
been on a steady run toward the playoffs.
SOURCE: http://www.baseball-reference.com

3. Math in the News
How dramatic is this? As the Montreal
Expos, the last time they were in the
playoffs was 1981!

4. Math in the News
Now let’s look at another team with early
success, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

5. Math in the News
From their start to this season they’ve
been in the post-season five times and
won the World Series once.

6. Math in the News
Investigate the data for the Miami Marlins
using the Web site http://www.baseball-
reference.com
•Collect the data.
•Create a double bar graph.
•Highlight the bars that show the team’s
playoff appearances.
What can you conclude about the success
of new franchises?

7. Math in the News
Part of the reason for new-franchise
success is the so-called Expansion Draft.
The newly formed teams can cull players
from existing teams.
Think about this:
•How would culling players affect the
team statistics of the team culled and the
new team?
•How could this account for new-team
success?