In the current baseball information age, some baseball statistics have risen in importance, while others have had a resultant fall. Walks used to be considered unpredictable accidents for the hitter. Pitching wins and losses are by the boards in significance for many younger and more tech-savvy types. The pitching win can still have value, though, as a reasonably mild look at Cubs prospect Paul Richan displays.
Back in 1983, pitching wins were king. Starting pitchers were firing fewer innings than before, but wins and earned run averages were the go-to way of determining starter effectiveness. The American League Western Champion Chicago White Sox were a case in point.