Rusty, you hit Baltimores problem right on the head in 1978. Their lack of depth prevented them from competing with Boston and NY in the AL east. Also, in 1978 the top tier teams in the AL are tougher, NY, Boston, KC, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Texas, compared to LA, Phili, Pittsburg, Cinn but the bottom tier Mariners, Blue Jays, A's, Indians, are much more easy to face than the San Diegos, Cubs, Giants, Cardinals.