All of this is absolutely true.
- Spending to oblivion, mainly from big market cities, won't guarantee you a title. The Padres are an example. They spent tons of money on Machado, Soto and Tatis and still had mediocre records for two straight seasons, no offense Jimmy King. Plus, it's consecutive seasons that the Dodgers were eliminated in the NLDS, despite winning 100 or more games. The Dodgers may do everything they possibly can to win a title for the next 10+ seasons, but history can repeat itself by getting an early exit in the playoffs.
- Seeing two underdog teams like the Diamondbacks and Rangers was a breath of fresh air, though it was one of the least watched World Series in television history. I always love to see underdogs make it to the World Series.