// Table template v. 3.5
  // Author - Brenden West; updated 3-18-03

// BEGIN editorial data
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spt_secondplaceteams.sPubDate = "2/4/2009 12:43:16 AM GMT";
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spt_secondplaceteams.appHeader = "fact file| Second, then a slump";
spt_secondplaceteams.appDeck = "Pro teams that lose in the finals often flop the following season";
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i=0;
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spt_secondplaceteams.aColHeaderText = new Array("Year"," Team"," Next Season"," Comment");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2008"," Rays"," ????","From worst to first to ... don't ask");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2007"," Rockies"," Missed playoffs","Only amazing late run got them to Series in first place");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2006"," Tigers"," Missed playoffs","Injuries and pitching woes sink Detroit's attempt to reach postseason");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2005"," Astros"," Missed playoffs","After finally making Series, Houston barely behind St. Louis in Central");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2004"," Cardinals"," Lost in NLCS"," After winning MLB-best 105 games, St. Louis swept by 'cursed' Red Sox ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2003"," Yankees"," Lost in ALCS"," Clemens, Pettitte and Wells walk away as aging team might be in decline  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2002"," Giants"," Lost in NL first round"," Blowing 5-0 lead late in Game 6 might doom franchise for years ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2001"," Yankees"," Lost in AL first round"," Setback to Angels snapped string of 4 straight World Series trips  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2000"," Mets"," Missed playoffs"," Rallied after 9/11 attacks to make run at playoffs, but finished only 82-80  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1999"," Braves"," Lost in NL first round"," Run of 8 straight trips to NLCS ended by Cardinals ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1998"," Padres"," Missed playoffs"," Gwynn gets 3,000th hit, but S.D. falls to 74-88  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1997"," Indians"," Lost in ALCS"," The wait continues for Tribe faithful ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1996"," Braves"," Lost in NLCS"," Gregg's liberal strike zone helps Marlins manager Leyland end Atlanta jinx ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1995"," Indians"," Lost in AL first round"," Loss to O's overshadowed by Alomar's spitting incident, umps near strike  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1994"," —"," —"," Strike canceled Fall Classic ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1993"," Phillies"," —"," Was 54-61 when season postponed  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1992"," Braves"," Lost in NLCS"," Duel with Giants (104 wins to 103) for NL West title took steam out of team ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1991"," Braves"," Lost in World Series"," Did have dramatic Game 7 win over Pirates in NLCS  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1990"," A's"," Missed playoffs"," Welch, Stewart went from 49 combined wins to 23  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1989 "," Giants "," Missed playoffs ","Came in third in three-team race with Reds and Dodgers for NL West title ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1988 "," A's "," Won World Series "," Recovered from shocking loss to Dodgers to shake the Giants  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1987 "," Cardinals "," Missed playoffs "," Finished 76-86 as grueling 7-game loss to Twins took its toll ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1986 "," Red Sox "," Missed playoffs "," Buckner made 6 errors for 78-84 squad ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1985 "," Cardinals "," Missed playoffs "," Cards couldn't recover from bad call vs. Royals, fell to 79-82 ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1984 "," Padres "," Missed playoffs "," Gwynn's batting average fell from .351 to .317  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1983 "," Phillies "," Missed playoffs "," Schmidt still led NL in HRs (36) and RBIs (106) ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1982 "," Brewers "," Missed playoffs "," 87-75 mark only good for 5th in tough AL East  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1981 "," Yankees "," Missed playoffs "," Yes, there was a time when the Bronx Bombers lost in the World Series ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1980 "," Royals "," Lost in AL Division playoff ","Thanks to split season because of strike, only team ever to make postseason with losing ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2007-08 "," Lakers "," ???? "," Kobe and Co. were doing just fine ... until he ran into Bynum's knee");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2006-07 "," Cavs "," Lost in Eastern semifinals "," LeBron scored 45 in Game 7, but it still wasn't enough to beat Celtics");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2005-06 "," Mavs "," Lost in Western first round "," Blow 2-0 Finals' lead, then fall to No. 8 seed Warriors in biggest playoff upset");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2004-05 "," Pistons "," Lost in Eastern finals "," Brown bailed to Broadway long before Heat got hot");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2003-04 "," Lakers "," Missed playoffs "," No Shaq. No Jackson. Yes, the dynasty is dead");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2002-03 "," Nets "," Lost in Eastern semifinals "," Scott fired, team might bolt to Brooklyn and Kidd scoreless in Game 7 loss");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2001-02 "," Nets "," Lost in NBA Finals "," After great season, simply no match for Lakers  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2000-01  ","76ers "," Lost in Eastern first round "," With MVP Iverson hurt down the stretch, Philly fell to sixth in conference  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1999-2000 "," Pacers "," Lost in Eastern first round "," Indiana had to hold off Boston just to make playoffs  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1998-99 "," Knicks "," Lost in Eastern finals "," Injuries to Ewing, Houston hurt N.Y.  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1997-98 "," Jazz "," Lost in Western semifinals "," Super-talented Blazers made Jazz look old -- has their time passed?  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1996-97 "," Jazz "," Lost in NBA Finals "," Malone, Stockton fall short to Bulls in six -- again  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1995-96 "," Sonics "," Lost in Western semifinals ","At time, Payton-Kemp duo looked like rising power ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1994-95 "," Magic "," Lost in Eastern finals "," O'Neal, Hardaway showed their youth in being swept by Bulls  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1993-94 "," Knicks "," Lost in Eastern semifinals ","Ewing never would reach NBA Finals again as active member of team ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1992-93 "," Suns "," Lost in Western semifinals "," Barkley, Johnson never came close again  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1991-92 "," Blazers "," Lost in Western first round ","Drexler's supporting cast too old ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1990-91 "," Lakers "," Lost in Western first round "," Magic's HIV announcement left Lakers, NBA in shock  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1989-90 "," Blazers "," Lost in Western finals "," Lakers too much with Thompson added to Magic, Worthy, Scott ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1988-89 "," Lakers "," Lost in Western semifinals "," Chambers, Johnson help Suns stun Lakers  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1987-88 "," Pistons "," Won NBA Finals "," Thomas, Laimbeer earned first of two titles for Bad Boys ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1986-87 "," Celtics "," Lost in Eastern finals "," Bird's last gasp couldn't overcome younger Pistons  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1985-86 "," Rockets "," Lost in Western semifinals "," Injuries to Sampson hampered team ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1984-85 "," Celtics "," Won NBA Finals "," Bird's MVP year lifts Boston to title");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2008-09 "," Cardinals "," ???? "," Anyone really think Arizona will win Super Bowl XLIV?");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2007-08 "," Patriots "," Missed playoffs "," From 18-0 and best-ever talk  to Brady quickly being out for season.");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2006-07 "," Bears "," Missed playoffs "," Think Grossman to make it back to big game?");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2005-06 "," Seahawks "," Lost in NFC second round "," First Alexander hurt, then Hasselbeck");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2004-05 "," Eagles "," Missed playoffs "," Last-place Philly winless in NFC East, dumps T.O.");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2003-04 "," Panthers "," Missed playoffs "," Following tough loss, Carolina started 1-7");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2002-03 "," Raiders "," Missed playoffs "," Finished with worst record in NFL at 4-12 ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2001-02 "," Rams "," Missed playoffs ","Heartbreaking loss to Pats was followed by 0-5 start, injuries to Faulk, Warner ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2000-01 "," Giants "," Missed playoffs ","N.Y. only goes 2-6 on road en route to 7-9 mark ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1999-2000 "," Titans "," Lost in AFC second round "," Lost at home to eventual champion Ravens  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1998-99 "," Falcons "," Missed playoffs ","Injury to RB Anderson devastating ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1997-98 "," Packers "," Lost in NFC wild-card round "," Holmgren's last gasp with Packers  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1996-97 "," Patriots "," Lost in AFC second round "," Parcells' departure led to inevitable fall ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1995-96 "," Steelers "," Lost in AFC second round "," 28-6 loss to Pats in playoffs gave clue to QB Stewart's troubles  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1994-95 "," Chargers "," Lost in wild-card round "," Reached playoffs at 9-7; Chargers haven't gotten that many wins since ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1993-94 "," Bills "," Missed Playoffs "," Closed season with three consecutive losses ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1992-93 "," Bills "," Lost in Super Bowl ","Only team ever to reach four consecutive Super Bowls ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1991-92 "," Bills "," Lost in Super Bowl ","With nucleus of Kelly, Thomas and Reed, Buffalo was favorite to return ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1990-91 "," Bills "," Lost in Super Bowl "," Who knew that Scott Norwood's miss would start 0-4 run?  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1989-90 "," Broncos "," Missed playoffs "," Bickering between Elway, Reeves sunk this team ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1988-89 "," Bengals "," Missed playoffs "," Remember when Cincinnati used to be good?  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1987-88 "," Broncos "," Missed playoffs "," Tough season without a running attack for Broncos ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1986-87 "," Broncos"," Lost in Super Bowl ","Elway thought he would return every season  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1985-86 "," Patriots "," Lost in AFC second round ","Eason and company proved '85 Super Bowl wasn't fluke ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1984-85 "," Dolphins "," Lost in AFC championship "," Marino never would return to the big game ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1983-84 "," Redskins "," Lost in NFC second round ","Theismann couldn't reproduce MVP season");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2006-07 "," Penguins"," ???? "," Compared often to '83 Oilers, last team to overcome hex");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2006-07 "," Senators"," Lost in Eastern quarters "," GM fired. Coach fired. Only team swept in first round.");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2005-06 "," Oilers"," Missed playoffs ","Cinderella bid to be first 8th-seed to win Cup falls just short. Adios Pronger.");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2003-04 "," Flames"," Lost in Western quarters ","Even lost year to lockout couldn't halt jinx; shut out in Game 7 by Ducks");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2002-03 "," Mighty Ducks "," Missed playoffs ","Following Cinderella run, Ducks not so mighty after losing Kariya");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2001-02 "," Hurricanes "," Missed playoffs ","After amazing run, this team blowed and had worst record in NHL ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("2000-01 "," Devils "," Lost in Eastern quarters ","N.J. ended season hot, then blown aside by 'Canes in first round ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1999-2000 "," Stars "," Lost in Western semifinals ","Aging team swept aside by Blues ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1998-99 "," Sabres "," Lost in Eastern quarters "," Stung by Hull's 'no-goal', made playoffs as 8th seed  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1997-98 "," Capitals "," Missed playoffs "," Finished 31-45-6 ... or 23rd out of 27 teams ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1996-97 "," Flyers "," Lost in Eastern quarters "," Stoned by Hasek, Sabres in first round  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1995-96 "," Panthers "," Lost in Eastern quarters "," Haven't won playoff game since  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1994-95 "," Red Wings ","Lost in Western finals ","Hey, Cup champion Devils didn't even make playoffs  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1993-94 "," Canucks "," Lost in Western semifinals ","Just about everyone a loser in lockout season ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1992-93 "," Kings "," Missed playoffs "," Gretzky won scoring title, but out of postseason for first time ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1991-92 "," Blackhawks "," Lost in Norris semifinals"," Best record in West wasted -- swept by Blues in first round ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1990-91 "," North Stars "," Lost in Norris semifinals ","Proved trip to Cup final with sub-.500 mark a fluke ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1989-90 "," Bruins "," Lost in Wales finals "," Swept by eventual champion Penguins  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1988-89 "," Canadiens "," Lost in Adams finals "," Bruins get their revenge against rival ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1987-88 "," Bruins "," Lost in Adams finals "," All four playoff losses to Habs by one goal  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1986-87 "," Flyers "," Lost in Patrick semifinals "," Blow 3-1 series lead to Capitals; Keenan fired  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1985-86 "," Flames "," Lost in Smythe semifinals ","Would rebound to win lone Cup in '89  ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1984-85 "," Flyers "," Lost in Patrick semifinals ","110-point season down the drain thanks to Rangers ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1983-84 "," Islanders "," Lost in Patrick finals "," Decline in full swing for aging team ");
spt_secondplaceteams.rows[i++] = new Array("1982-83 "," Oilers "," Won Stanley Cup ","Ended Isles' dynasty with first of four Cups in five years ");

// END editorial data