I am pretending to be the Commissioner of Baseball and since this is so much fun I must initiate one more action. You can read my first two acts here and here. This last act I think is the most important of the changes I've mentioned because it is doable and would impact the game immediately.
(5) Adjusted Playoff System
As it is set now, four teams from both leagues are awarded spots. The divisional series in each league plays the best of 5 to advance. The problem with this format is that the regular season division winners get ripped on advantage when it comes to playing the wild card teams. In a short 5 game series this format doesn't fully allow whole teams to be showcased. Certain pitchers can be taken out of the equation with fewer games. With a full 7 game series, whole pitching staffs and 25 man rosters are utilized. The teams as displayed during the regular 162 game season remain the teams that play in the first round. No roster jimmy allowed. Then of course keep the same 7 game format for the championship round and then the World Series.
This whole All-Star game winner determining the WS home field is ridiculous. How about a little less progressive government here? This isn't politics, it's baseball. The team with the best regular season record (either league) should retain home field advantage, period. This policy also motivates teams who are running way out ahead in their divisions in September to play it out with their regular starting 9; instead of resting players. The fans don't want to see back-ups play out the season.
When it's time to start the playoffs, get rid of off days. These professionals are used to playing everyday anyway and by now are used to the constant, inconvenient travel. Also, without off days, whole pitching staffs will have to be used. That means you Joe Blanton! When number 4 and possibly number 5 starting pitchers are being used the fans get to see a much more interesting series, not back loaded with the 2 or 3 best pitchers from each team. Balance and wholeness win out here. Plus without off days, the momentum builds quickly for the fans as there is no wait time. As much as I love baseball, I don't want to watch the players in ski masks and hoodies, trying to keep warm...in November!
Finally, start the playoff games earlier. Please! Stop bellyaching about the diminishing interest among youth and then prostitute yourself to the big TV network (read FOX). Don't worry, they will broadcast it anyway, even if you set first pitch at 7:10 pm. Especially for the World Series, set the time so that the casual fans will be able to tune in and watch the whole game. The casual fans that I know only want to watch the last 3 innings but when those innings are between 10:30 and midnight, it become rather difficult. For the kids sake, let them have the opportunity to watch a large portion of the World Series.
That's it, my work here is done. Now let's prepare for another wonderful year of baseball as opening day is approaching shortly. Oh, and a friendly reminder, don't forget to rank your fantasy players before draft day.
1 comment:
Awesome! I have enjoyed reading the trilogy...of sorts. I can't get my kids into the greatest game ever because of the time and school - of course, I was always staying up late and enjoying the Rangers (lose) on my transister radio with the white ear plug in my ear which was nestled snuggly in my pillow to keep it a secret. Good job Randy.
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