The 2003 Florida Marlins were #23 out of 30 in defensive efficiency. The 1996 Yankees were #22 in defensive efficiency. Toronto was #18 out of 28 in 1993. Most teams that win the world series do have good defense, but to say that no team has won without a solid defense is incorrect. As for up-the-middle defense, the 2000 Yankees had Jose Vizcaino at 2nd. His fielding rate was 100, exactly the same as Todd Walker's rate this year. Derek Jeter was one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball that year. Bernie Williams was below average in CF. That 1993 WS had two horrid defenses if I recall. I can't remember if it affected that series in any manner.