Losing Their Edge

The Florida Marlins have lost 10 regulars from last year’s World Series championship team, by far the most any World Series champion has lost. A look at what champions have lost the most regulars, and what happened to them in the ensuing seasons:

* 1997 champion Florida, 10--Moises Alou, Bobby Bonilla, Kevin Brown, Jeff Conine, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, Robb Nen, Tony Saunders, Gary Sheffield, Devon White.

Result: Currently in last place in NL East.

* 1972 Oakland, 4--Larry Brown, Dave Duncan, Mike Epstein, Bob Locker.

Result: Won World Series in 1973 and 1974.

* 1914 Boston Braves, 3--Charlie Deal, Les Mann, Possum Whitted.

Result: Contended for pennant next two seasons.

* 1918 Boston Red Sox, 3--Sam Agnew, Walt Kinney, Dutch Leonard.

Result: Did not reach .500 again until 1934.

* 1948 Cleveland, 3--Wally Judnich, Eddie Klieman, Eddie Robinson.

Result: Continued to contend annually.

* 1980 Philadelphia, 3--Randy Lerch, Greg Luzinski, Bob Walk.

Result: Lost in World Series in 1983.