Please Overhaul the Baseball Playoffs

There is nothing wrong with the game of baseball and very little wrong with the sport itself.  One of those wrong things happens to be the current construct of the playoffs.  The current system is terrible to put it bluntly.  Even worse with this "play-in" game with the bonus wild card team.  Can I tell you how I really feel?

Never have I been a fan of the wild card.  The main reason is that it reeks of imitating the NFL.  Not.A.Football.Fan.  The other reason is that allowing it diminishes the division winners.

I know, this current experiment has been a smashing success.  The money is flowing because more teams are in contention at later dates within the long season.  I get it.  Collect a bigger pile of cash and brag.

Please allow myself to propose a playoff plan that serves the progressive "let's change for the sake of change" crowd, the cash starved people in charge and the classical baseball fan who just wants to see the best play in the purest form.  Don't be a hater, just give me a chance to explain.

The playoff system cannot be fixed unless there are some changes to the way the regular season is played.  First, division winners play to determine a champion.  No wild card.  Realign the 30 teams within the same 2 league format.  Next, create 4 divisions in each league that promotes regional rivalries.  Local media outlets would benefit with more intense attention and the fans would have something to follow despite their favorite teams standing good or bad.  Here is how I would make those divisions:

National League 

* North *
Baltimore
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
* West *
Arizona
LA Angels
LA Dodgers
San Diego
* South *
Atlanta
Miami
Tampa
* Midwest *
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Milwaukee
Minnesota
American League 

* North *
Boston
NY Mets
NY Yankees
Toronto
* West *
Colorado
Oakland
San Fransisco
Seattle
* South *
Houston
Kansas City
St. Louis
Texas
* Midwest *
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Detroit

Next, with this restructuring there will no longer be a need for inter-league play.  That was a good experiment for a few years, but now the only thing good about it is when the Yankees or Red Sox come into town and boost ticket sales.

Another tough decision will be to finally eliminate the awkward blending of 2 styles of play.  As much as I love the strategy of the double switch and the accountability of the pitcher holding a bat, I think it is time to promote the DH across the board.  The chicks dig the long ball.

The benefits of all of this beside the increased regional interest (especially in weaker markets) is the prolonged competition for division crowns throughout the summer and fall.  Smaller divisions keep hopes high and the wheels turning as it relates to fan interest and General Manager tinkering.  Additionally, teams can cut costs on travel as more shorter trips would be made because a large percentage of those games would be located not too far away.

This "new" season poses some scheduling difficulty, but I will go there in a minute.  (What is worse--playoff problems or schedule problems?)  Now for the playoff format.  The division winners are the playoff teams.  There would be 8 teams--more than your grandfathers era but fewer than the current "get close because even though we weren't good enough to win our division, the 4th and 5th best records in our league is good enough" policy.  Win to play is a better format and tournament.  The first round series of 5 games in each respective league would be seeded according to regular season record with the better earning home field advantage.  (1v4, 2v3).  You have noticed that I said "series".  Please read between the lines to understand how I feel about the current 1 game play-in game.  |awful|.  The second round will also be a best of 5 game series with the winners earning the right to play in the World Series.  Home field advantage means the team with the better overall record plays games 1, 2 and 5 at their park and their opponent gets games 3 and 4.  The World Series, of course, pits the winners of the previous round; 1 from each league.

What I have always loved about the World Series (I mean, used to love) is the mystery of the battle.  With this reformed season as I have proposed, the teams competing would only know each other on paper.  No prior experience to gauge how it may turn out; just a scouting report and a hunch.  Outside of Cincinnati, who honestly thought the '90 Reds had a chance against the (puffed up) A's?

Ok, now for the various problems to iron out.  The main one is scheduling.  Because of the imbalance of the divisions, gaps are created.  Teams within division play each other the most as compared to the other league teams.  Beyond that, the remainder of the schedule can be determined using the NFL formula (if you have to use football as a model).  Better record teams from the previous year play each other more while the bad teams play each other more.  Each team will make all the trips, coast to coast.  So, the schedule isn't balanced per say, but the "playing field" is smoothed out to give even the Kansas City Royals a glimmer of hope.

Another problem someone is bound to make is the extended number of games on the playoff slate.  Easy fix--no days off, just play everyday like what ball players are used to.  If TBS doesn't approve, then offer the rights to HSN!

What else?  Critics, on your mark, get set, Go!

Inning 4: Respect

I have been off the grid for awhile but busy doing the things that as a baseball coach and instructor you would expect.  My motivation now is flowing from the excitement of the MLB playoffs.  Game #1 today, right now inning #4 in this series [why baseball matters personally].

What I love about October baseball is the esteem that is given to the participating teams.  These playoff teams are considered the best for this season.  The players and coaches that represent these teams are revered for making it through to the end.  The grind, as a MLB season is often referred to, is done and October serves as the season where ultimate respect is earned.

Baseball is a training ground for learning respect.  The best teams are not always those with the best skilled players.  Teams that win the games that matter most are those filled with players who respect the game, their opponent, their teammates, and themselves.  Respect is learned through the thrill of victory, the disappointment of defeat, the process of competing--the whole experience of playing the game.

Respect does not mean getting along with everybody all the time.  Heck, even liking someone is not required to respect them.  In baseball, respect looks like this:

• accepting the best that others give (teammates, coaches, opponents, umpires)
• trusting coaches to teach and help
• listening to instruction and learning from expertise and experience
• accepting the calls made by umpires
• celebrating the accomplishments of teammates (tipping the cap to rival accomplishments)

Lately I have been working with 8 year old players teaching pitching mechanics.  Pitching is hard no matter what age but especially for players who have never done it before.  My policy for this age group is that pitchers must also catch.  There is nothing like wearing the gear and running repeatedly to the backstop chasing wild pitches, blocking baseballs off the chest, and taking batted balls off the mask to learn respect.  Getting practical perspective helps both pitchers and catchers to understand how difficult it is to perform.

It is in the environment of process and experience that respect is truly learned.  Working within a framework where certain outcomes are pursued is a learning environment like no other.  A team with expectations and a plan to execute is a unit of individuals who are taking responsibility; acknowledging and maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses; and purposing toward and end that is bigger than themselves.  This is the mission of Upside Baseball.

We as people are capable of big things; much bigger things than we actually believe.  Expecting more is to respect potential.  Respect is a stepping stone to achievement.  It is not a one time deal but an on-going management of belief, effort, teamwork, and trust.

As to the outcome of the playoffs?  A toss up.  The differences in skill and performance is so small among the teams.  One thing you can be sure of--there will be plenty of respect dished out on all fronts.

Inning 3: Trust

Is being stubborn a result of lacking trust?  I don't know.  Maybe not in every case, but I can see a trust issue in those who will not take advice or refuse instruction.  I have coached more than one player who ignored specific advice meant exclusively for them to use for improved performance.  For many, learning the hard way is the most effective way for growth.

This does not sit right.  I do not feel comfortable knowing that there are those who must hit rock bottom to get the synapse firing and the heart pounding.  In fact, this reality saddens me.  If legitimate trust is formed in any given environment maybe hitting rock bottom does not have to be.

Trust is never given but always earned.  The trust principle is used everyday; in our conversations, shopping, driving, business dealings and even in the decision to accept or reject advice.  Trust then is exchanged between parties who have proven to be trustworthy.  It starts with good people; people who seek to promote you not to take advantage of you.

In baseball, trust is a character trait that can be developed.  There are many examples within the game that give players the opportunity to practice gaining trust.  I've made a list:

• pitcher accepting a sign from the catcher
• infielders covering the correct bases
• outfielders backing up appropriately
• catcher blocking wild pitches
• hit and run execution
• suicide bunt execution

Remember, trust is always earned, never given.  Having developed trust with teammates means being confident in them to perform as coached and displaying a self confidence proving to teammates and coaches a high level of competency.

As a coach and instructor, teaching trust is a long process.  Learning to trust depends on knowledge and understanding of the skills necessary to play in addition to a redundancy of repetition.  Because errors are made, trust takes time.  Physical errors, mental errors and relational barriers keep a player from complete trust.

Teaching trust is a challenging but rewarding endeavor.  Whether with individual baseball players at Upside Baseball or coaching a team, I set expectations right from the start.  Communicating clearly helps lay the ground work of learning the skills necessary to perform.  Players are instructed as to the demands of the various positions.  Individually, the mechanics of skill execution is analysed and tweaked (or re-built if necessary).  Repetition then follows.  Lots of ground balls, fly balls, swings, pitches, bunt coverage, balls in the dirt for blocking, rundowns, relays...Over and over again.

Finally, none of this is any good unless I as a coach and instructor build a rapport with the players.  Care.  Be interested in their lives.  Know them apart from baseball.

Can you see now how baseball is the ultimate metaphor and classroom for life?

Inning 2: Communication

(If not playing) baseball's best experience is from the ballpark stands.  The game does not project well from television.  What a viewer does not see is the constant stream of communication that is happening at a rapid pace.  The majority of the dialogue is non-verbal, a foreign language really, when seen by onlookers.  To see all the hand motions is really quite mesmerizing.

Middle infielders discuss behind the curtain of their gloves who will cover the second base bag.  Catchers talk a lot.  They signal the pitcher, of course, suggesting a certain pitch and location using just their fingers.  The pitcher taking the lead, nods in agreement or shakes for another option.  Also, catchers signal the other defenders for first and third coverages letting all know where he will throw if the corner base runners try to advance.  A flurry of signs come from the dugout to third base coaches to relay to batters and to fielders for defensive positioning.

As you have figured out by now, the communication happens before the action of the game unfolds.  The communication is the result of the plans that have been made to execute success.  Rarely is a decision made within the flow of a given play.  The baseball play is mostly directed by advance preparation.  The communication sets it all up.  You can guess what happens if communication breaks down.  A failure to communicate leads to a lack of execution.  Just ask that third base runner how he feels when he is barreling down the line toward home plate and does not see the batter square to bunt.  His heart jumps out of his chest praying the hitter does not swing.  This is what it looks like to have your life flash before your very eyes.

As a coach and private instructor, the first lesson in communication relating to character development is ears first, mouth second.  The reason is simple.  We are made with two ears and only one mouth, which naturally means we should listen twice as much as talk.  Without listening, communication cannot happen.

Good communication is like a good game of catch.  Both the thrower and receiver are involved.  The information gets sent (ball is thrown) and the receiver retrieves the information or message (ball is caught).  Now the reverse, the roles change and new information is sent, back and forth.  With my players I am sure to keep an open line of dialogue.  I am interested in what each of them are thinking and feeling.  Both their body language and words tell me most everything I need to know.  My players also hear from me.  I like the word feedback because my message is honest and meant to compliment what they have shared.  Part of my job is to be sure they know that I am listening.  The other part is to use what I have learned from them and give back new information to help them improve.

The life application of baseball's style of communication teaches to get to the point clearly and quickly.  If our attention or focus is distracted or diverted, a breakdown is the result.  Communication is a hard skill to master.  I tell my guys, "if you're not sure, step out of the box and ask me to repeat the signs."

Communication is learned as we go, playing and living together.

Inning 1: Responsibility

Series Introduction:
The most wonderful time of the year has begun.  Baseball season, which spans February through October, is a major holiday celebrating youth, memories from our past, dreams for tomorrow, a connector to meaningful relationships, and the development of character in a setting as fun as any learning environment can be.

The focus of this new series will be what baseball offers outside of the obvious short term joy of play.  This game offers a classroom unlike any other for character formation and life skills.  Follow along as we play 9 innings and explore what baseball is really all about.

*          *          *

Baseball is a great teacher of responsibility.  Responsibility is a character trait we hold highly as a society.  As parents, consumers, tax payers, neighbors, employers, employees, relatives, etc. we at all times expect others to do particular things, to behave a certain way, and to share our own values and beliefs.  It is called living responsible lives.  To be responsible, therefore, is to have the ability to respond appropriately.  To exercise self control and do right things independently is to show responsibility.

Many things come to mind when looking at responsibility in the context of baseball.

• bunt coverage assignments
• signals to base runners & hitters
• pitch sequencing
• stolen base coverage's
• pick-off attempts & throw overs
• cutoff throws

In baseball, every pitch matters, because there is always something to see and analyze.  With every play, all nine players on the field have to be in motion covering new ground or expanding their territory on the field.  Even if a play does not directly involve a certain position, that player has an assignment to fulfill in anticipation of the play going bad.  Of course, don't expect the worse, but prepare for it just in case.  It is easy for outfielders not to cover the overthrown territory behind bases but it is necessary.  It takes discipline to run to a spot and not be involved in the play.  This is how character is built.  Doing something because it is the right thing to do not because it brings immediate satisfaction or personal glory.

As a baseball instructor, I am careful to go deeper in my lesson application with my players.  To begin teaching responsibility is a tricky process because learning to be responsible depends on the player valuing doing right.  With each player I work with, I set a routine in lessons and in independent practice.  Each lesson is customized but predictable once the player becomes familiar with what is expected.  Establishing a routine is critical when leaning to work and act independently.  Guesswork is minimized when certain expectations are a given.  When the player knows I am going to critique all 13 check points of a good hitting stance, the player takes special care to pay attention to each one.

Assigned tasks are given to execute outside of the private workout.  The player is asked to track their practice habits.  These tasks involve baseball drills for at-home improvement and unique tasks the player should be responsible over in daily living like homework and polite responses to others.  We always take time during the private lessons to define these tasks and together decide what is reasonable.  The private lesson ends by reviewing the results of the assigned tasks given in the previous lesson.  Talking through it together is quite motivational as the player wants to prove himself.  Perfect practice for life's issues even before they appear.

Responsibility is only one of many character qualities that baseball reinforces.  What a fun and safe opportunity to learn this much needed trait.  To learn more about character formation and baseball visit my company, Upside Baseball, either on the web or facebook.

Locker#169

I have now returned from beautiful Tiger Town in Lakeland, Florida where I had a remarkable experience.

My dream as a boy was to make the big leagues.  Originally the thought was to make it as a player.  My athletic, baseball playing days have come and gone.  Now, as a professional instructor, I consider my time at the Detroit Tigers training complex the closest I've come to the major leagues...so far.

I spent 3 weeks as an instructor for the Doyle Baseball Academy.  I had the honor to work along side the best baseball instructors on the globe.  I am forever grateful.  Also, I had the opportunity to instruct many great athletes.  Some of the best 18U baseball players from around the world attend the Doyle Academy.  Many of these players will play at the college and professional level.

There is so much to report, but the one thing that stood out to me was the display of respect.  There are three particular examples.  First, the rapport between the instructors was amazing.  The styles, experience and knowledge among the group was quite diverse but the one thing that linked us all together was our mutual passion for the game and the development of kids in baseball and in life. 

And for the athletes themselves, their respect for each other was nothing short of spectacular.  Watching the players interact and help each other improve was refreshing.  Keep in mind that the ages participating in the academy was 12-18 which gives an indication of the varying skill levels of the players.  Junior and Senior Academy athletes had no problem partnering during drills and learning together.

Finally, the most surprising display of respect was of the on site professional players toward the academy athletes and coaching staff.  Many of the GCL Tigers made themselves available to the players and coaches.  It was cool to see the interest taken by the pros toward the academy.  There was a couple of days when the academy was on the field competing in game play when visiting pro teams (Blue Jays & Yankees) stopped to watch.  I confess my focus was diverted a few minutes watching these pros watching my guys.  Of course the academy players thought this was something special.  It was!  The best compliment to them as players was their attention.

Locker # 169 has been cleaned out with nothing left behind.  I have taken with me some great memories, new friends and a fresh outlook toward what God is doing in my life.

Upside Baseball

Several weeks ago I wrote right here that something big was coming.  That something big is here and ready to be announced. 

Please don't misunderstand.  This is NOT another 'Bron prime time decision, all drawn out to maximize ratings.  No, I am not moving to Miami, although I hear the weather and culture is very appealing.

The something big is that I am now a business owner!  Upside Baseball it is called, and I offer private baseball skill lessons and character development mentoring to kids ages 5 plus.  Customized lesson plans and success tracking devices are features of this new venture.  The benefit, of course, is a baseball experience for the whole person;  improved playing skills and maturing character all wrapped together.

I am just underway and there is still lots to do.  The website is not up and running quite yet but the facebook fan page is so search "Upside Baseball" and click "like".  Tell all your friends too.

Now go outside and play catch.  It is a great pick-me-up. 

Something Big

This is a big week.  Something important is happening and I am experiencing conflicting emotions.

Some of you know that there was a period in my life where I was just going through the motions.  This was a dark time.  I do not want to re-tell this story here, but suffice it to say, I was in a bad place emotionally, which effected me adversely in all areas of my life.  What I am announcing here, the reason this is a big week, was born from this bad time.  My journey through despair lasted about 2 years, and the path I am on now is about a year and a half in the making.

Drum roll please.  (Unofficially) I am a small business owner.  This becomes official with confirmation of processed paperwork already in the works.  The business is private youth baseball instruction and character development.  When confirmation comes I will be able to give more details.  My purpose now is to declare that God has cared for me beyond my wildest dreams.  The last 3 and a half years have been foundational toward the sense of accomplishment that I am experiencing now.  My heart has been re calibrated and my mind cleared and focused.  I can dream again.

One of the tools I have learned to use to transfer dreams to reality is affirmation.  I have always enjoyed inspirational quotes.  Now I do more with them than enjoy; I use these to motivate and inspire.  These quotes are used to affirm my desires and movement toward success.  One that I have used as I developed a business plan is, "If you build it, he will come." (famously from the film "Field of Dreams").  More significantly, I have been affirmed by God himself.  There have been few times I have believed God has spoken directly to me.  Last Sunday is one of those times.  Experiencing anxiety about the process of starting a business while considering all that could go wrong, I sensed God telling me to do this and shortly after that impression, I was thinking about everything that could go right.  I remembered again all the reasons this is important and why I am going for it.

So, yes, this is a Big week.  Bigger things are still to come.  I am feeling great ambition but also fear.  Strangely, I think these two emotions can work well together.  I suppose I will find out soon enough. 

Here is an affirmation for you:  "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."  (James 1:5)

Can the Reds Repeat?

Here it is, on the eve of a new baseball season, my picks.  Feel free to use these in Vegas if you wish.  Zero commission--my treat.

American League
The teams to beat are the Red Sox and Yankees as usual, in addition to the Angels and White Sox.  The central division is the hardest to pick as the Tigers and Twins will also push for the top.  Toss up.  The team to watch and may surprise is the A's.  This team has young pitching in a division that is rather weak.  The Mariners are probably the weakest team in the league which also helps the A's.  It's hard not to take the Red Sox as the AL World Series participant.

National League
I think the senior circuit division races will be crazy this year.  I think each division could have multiple challengers.  My picks are the Phillies, Braves, Giants and Reds.  Most "experts" are picking the Phillies but the Braves are every bit as good.  In the central, the Brewers look the best on paper but with a new "first time" manager and new pitchers with heightened expectations...I have my doubts.  I think the total disaster team this year won't be the Pirates, for a change.  The Mets will be brutal!

Conclusion
Baseball has a lot of parody these days.  Once the playoff teams are set, who knows?  The season basically comes down to two factors, 1) pitching and 2) injuries.  If you can increase #1 and minimize #2 then you got a shot.  So, can the Reds repeat and make it to the Series?  I don't know.  Shrug.

Go Braves!

George [Steinbrenner] thinks that money makes everything right.  But money is the root of all evil.  It's harder to get a rich man into heaven than it is to get a camel through the eye of a needle, and I didn't make that up. --Reggie Jackson

Ken Burns: Home. The Intro to the World Series on FOX

Little + Little + Little = Big

A bounding ball, sharply hit to short, fielded and thrown to second. Straddling the bag, the second baseman catches, pivots and fires the ball onward. Stretching with focused reach, the man at first catches the ball only slightly before the batter comes down on the base with a stomp. Double play.

Enjoying the MLB playoffs makes me think of how much details matter. In baseball, a double play is huge, especially in October. Not counting the simplest of the tasks required in turning a double play--catching a thrown ball--there are 5 actions that need to be executed. Since catching the ball is required to make outs the number of required actions increases to 7.

(1) The pitcher hurls an appropriately located pitch to induce a grounder. (2) The shortstop (using the above example) fields the baseball cleanly. (3) The ball is then thrown accurately to the second baseman. (4) The second baseman catches and (5) pivots, using precise footwork to avoid the on coming runner, (6) throws the ball to first base quickly enough to beat the batter racing down the baseline. (7) A good throw is caught by the first baseman before the batter reaches the base. If any of these 7 little actions break down and do not happen just so, the big result is lost.

High performance depends on the execution of the small things that really are the building blocks of the achievement itself. I believe this principle applies to most any area of effort that has vision behind it.

Broken down into small parts, exceptional parenting showcases this concept. Good parents listen and communicate well. Discipline is taken seriously, paying attention to both instruction of good behavior and correction of misbehavior. Clear expectations are set, outside influences are filtered, opportunities for safe exploration are allowed, and other things (this can become a long list) are all managed by quality parents with well adjusted and high functioning kids the prize.

Business, project management and leadership are other areas where the little things add up to something special. Of course, the opposite is true; when the details are ignored or become secondary, the results are less than ideal. Just like beauty, results are in the eye of the beholder. What I consider bad and not in good taste is another's pride. But that is another subject altogether.

Work hard on the details and the big stuff will come together.

Baseball Tour: St. Louis

The baseball tour rolls on in spite of the belief that this summer would be an "off" year. I have friends from central Illinois to thank for making a tour stop happen this summer. On August 21st, my friends and I visited Busch Stadium part III for the Cardinals vs. Giants. As Cardinal fans, my friends have been there several times. Me, this was my first visit.

Busch Stadium is right out of the modern mold of the retro stadium expect that this style is no longer retro (over use). The overall appearance of the stadium was good, especially the brick work. The open view exposes the surrounding skyline including the spectacular Arch. Just like Cincinnati, this new ballpark is far and away better that the previous one. The concrete donuts were just dumb construction and an eye sore artistically.

Anyway, we had a great time. Along with our game tickets, we received pre-game passes to Founders Day Appreciation. This experience was a real treat. We enjoyed on-field access where we walked along the warning track; circling the playing field, then explored both home and visitor dugouts. The St. Louis ball club was even so kind to serve lunch free. All-you-can-eat lunch! All together, I ate 2 hot dogs, 1 brat, 1 box of popcorn, 2 cokes and a novelty ice cream. I had a snack later during the game. Throw in the fact that I retrieved 3 player autographs and this experience was terrific. Nothing like going to the ballpark with friends.

Thanks guys! I can cross another major league city from the list.

The Opportunity of "Inactivity"

Daniel Okrent, an award winning writer, has the same addiction I do: a love of baseball. He was a significant contributor in the Baseball documentary by Ken Burns. Okrent describes the game in the Burns film as a game of inactivity. He explains that baseball gives the appearance of purposeless action but that this view is to misunderstand the game. This perceived "inactivity" is really highly directed activity that the casual fan or an antagonist to the game understands as a flaw. Okrent argues that the pace of baseball and the moments when it seems the action has stopped is what makes the game so great. He is right! In these perceived gaps of action are the moments of gamesmanship: strategy, signaling, sign stealing, grabbing an extra extra step in the basepaths, leaning one way or the other in defensive positioning, making the batter wait, making the pitcher wait, etc. The development of the dramatic happen in these so called slow moments.

There is a lesson here that applies to achievement of personal goals and hopes for our lives. For anyone that we consider hugely successful I contend that more likely than not the successful devote large amounts of time in quiet "inactivity." Slowing themselves down to understand the setting, circumstances and resources needed for winning. These are activities that to the casual observer are not noticed.

What thought have you given to the next 5 years? How much time is devoted to planning your success? When is the last time you have sat alone day dreaming? How will you measure your progress? These are important questions to answer, the glory-less sort of activity that generates purpose and direction. Significant success does not happen by chance. The hard work is going on while the action has slowed. There lies the advantage.

Baseball Tour Recap

I made it out to Great American Ballpark this past Saturday night for my first MLB experience of the summer. What a game to get it started. I realized when I received my tickets that this would be the annual Civil Rights Game. Little did I know when I arrived that I would see Henry Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson. There were other notables there like Laila Ali and Harry Belafonte but it was these baseball icons that made me light up like a kid on Christmas morning. Bonus! There was still a game to be played.

Seeing baseball royalty up close and personal got me thinking about my baseball tour journeyed through the years. My experiences have all been unique. So the idea of this post came from considering these moments in time and wondering how to best judge them. Here is a list ranking the tour moments:

10) Detroit--It is hard to be fair when considering my time in Detroit. I had the opportunity to visit Tiger Stadium before it was demolished. My only reason for being in Detroit was to visit the Stadium so it isn't fair for me to critique the city itself. All I saw was a crumbling town full of chaos and demise. Even the stadium itself was falling apart. I remember thinking when I was walking in the concourse under the grandstand that "I hope it doesn't fall in on me". I need to go back and visit the new stadium and spend some time exploring Detroit as I'm sure there are some interesting and positive sights.

9) Anaheim--Aside from the fact that the Angles play in southern California and that they are consistently a pretty good team, there is really not much to say. The stadium is rather boring and Anaheim seems to be a rather regular suburban community.

8) San Diego--By far, this is my favorite major league city. The stadium is one of the newer ones and it has its features. Like the warehouse out in left that was fitted into the new construction of the stadium and the beach out behind the right-center field fence. My friends and I happened to sit in the all-you-can eat section which was great since hot dogs are my favorite meat. None of these things though make it my fav baseball city. It's the weather and the beaches and the Mexican influence on food that makes it the perfect city.

7) Baltimore--I had looked forward to visiting Camden Yards at Oriole Park since it opened back during the Cal Ripken days. This is a good ball park with all the brick work and open feel. I remember that it was also very comfortable. The only negative is the team itself. The Orioles stink!

6) Atlanta--I must confess that Atlanta made it this high on the list because the Braves are my favorite team. I am fully aware that most journalism rankings put Atlanta as one of the worst sports towns in North America. Whatever. I don't have Atlanta in this spot because of the city but because of the team. My first trip to Atlanta was to see the Braves in Fulton Co. Stadium. I didn't pay attention much as this trip was a 14th birthday present. I was too excited about seeing my team up close. My second trip to Atlanta was just a couple of years following the Olympics which produced what is now Turner Field. Good venue to watch a game but nothing spectacular. I would be remiss to ignore the run of 14 straight division titles the Braves rattled off.

5) Cincinnati--I believe the old Queen City could once again be a big time baseball town. It just needs a good team on the field. As I write this the Reds are in first place. The history is rich and the roster of all-time greats is long. I live here, so of course, I get to enjoy the ball park and team regularly. Riverfront Stadium (Cinergy) was terrible. I remember as a young kid thinking how poor a stadium it was with the doughnut shaped configuration and Astro Turf playing surface. Yuck! It was hard to see the players and the ball. Great American Ball Park is so much better. The view from almost anywhere is really good and the open feel helps make viewing more comfortable. The LaRosa's pizza is a big negative.

4) LA--Dodger Stadium was one of those classic ball parks I've always wished to see. I finally did last summer and it was as good as I'd hoped. The ball park is big and wide open which fits the personality of the city. What's not to love about southern California besides the traffic and smog? The Dodgers are one of the few historic baseball franchises with mega stars at every turn in their history. The Dodger dog and garlic fries are a must.

3) NY (Bronx)--Two summers ago I had the privilege of visiting old Yankee Stadium before it was closed. Even better was the particular game we saw which matched the Red Sox versus Yankees on the ESPN Sunday Night Game. The bitter rivalry made it all the better. The stadium was alright, nothing unique in my opinion, other than the history of players who played on that same diamond. It was "the house that Ruth built." The NY fans live and die with their Yankees. It's personal when they lose. It's the passion that makes NY a great baseball city.

2) Chicago--The combination of the city and the stadium is what makes Chicago a great place to see a ball game. The Cubs stink. Nothing new in that regard. Visiting Wrigley Field is a great experience; probably my favorite park. Everything about it is unique. Wrigley sits right smack dab within an old neighborhood with lots of surrounding eats and drinks to enjoy before and after. The ivy is what it is most famous for but the 3 piece brass ensemble is fun as well as the party that's going on in the bleachers. Always a full house, the atmosphere is fun-loving and energetic. I've also visited the south side with a game at new Comiskey which has since sold out to a corporate sponsor. The White Sox are a better team overall but not good enough to overcome the party going on by the lake.

1) Boston--By far, Boston is the best baseball town there is. Three hours before the game the crowd is shoulder to shoulder gathered outside. There are tons of great eats and drinks surrounding including The Bleacher Bar, situated just behind the Green Monster. We happened to view batting practice from our seats at the bar. Very cool. The memorabilia and gift shops are massive and many. The fans are passionate and yet friendly. Fenway Park is a great place to watch a game. It's small and cramped because the place gets sold out every game plus the seats are original; narrow and hard. Every pitch matters to every fan in the park. It's the game they have come for, not the park necessarily. The fans of Boston understand that the entertainment is with the baseball game itself.

Recap--I wrote this because it is unlikely that the tour will continue this summer. The tour isn't stopped, only paused. I'll give a full report once I'm back on the road. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the first place Reds (while it lasts).

If I Were Commish (Act 3)

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.

If I Were Commish (Act 2)

This is the second of three parts to a fantasy world where I act as commissioner of Baseball. That's right, I do live in a fantasy world most of the time. How else do you think I can cope? Anyway here are my next acts as commish.

2) Reschedule the World Baseball Classic

This world wide tournament is only played once every four years. Personally, I don't really understand the purpose; I mean isn't there a competition called the Olympics where international baseball is organized? Why have another all-world tournament? Also, Selig says that the point is to help promote baseball internationally. Alright, I can see the WBC as a marketing tool but the countries that participate already have a strong interest in baseball. I haven't heard of Estonia or Nigeria signing up. This is a weak argument on my part because the hope is that the WBC will spark interest in the kids watching their countries perform. Since this tournament is probably viable at some level in terms of entertaining an inspiring international youth, let's discuss when it should be played. As it stands, the WBC is played during the traditional spring training period of Major League Baseball. Owners of MLB clubs obviously have trepidation about sending players to participate. Player salaries are too great to risk injury for a promotional tournament. There are no simple solutions because the MLB season is so long.

As commissioner I would move this promotional tournament to December and January. Players will have had 2 months of rest (except for the World Series participants which is a small number of players) plus most of the players begin their off-season workouts during this time anyway. Keep in mind that many professionals play in winter leagues anyway. Once the tournament is over, these players can have a couple of weeks off before they report to spring training camp. But hey, if you want to just cancel it all together then I'll prepare my rubber stamp.

3) Drop Interleague Play

This will never happen because the revenue gets a huge boost during these games, especially for the small market teams as they enjoy the national interest the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Cardinals generate. As commissioner I would just outlaw the fraternization of leagues. The main reason is to create an intrigue between the different styles of baseball represented by the two leagues. I remember as a kid watching the World Series and feeling the mystery of two teams facing off where the players are almost completely unknown to each other. Apart from scouting and video, the players don't possess an upper hand with experience. Watching the skills and play from the very best players in the world unfold naturally and spontaneously makes for great baseball.

If these games are dropped, the regular season schedule could become balanced and the divisional races become more important, especially to those second tier teams trying to earn a wild card bid. These interleague games would be replaced with divisional games. As it stands now, any particular team in a division could play just as many games against the opposing league than an opposing division within their own league. As a way to make this argument more credible I should provide an example. Commissioners don't normally skip the research stage but for now I must keep moving.

4) Drop Instant Replay

Instant replay is stupid. Period. Instant replay makes football stupid. If you want the umpires to make the right call the majority of the time then provide better training, performance based compensation and stronger accountability. Problem solved (although I don't believe there really is a problem).

One more to come...

If I Were Commish (Act 1)

Pitchers and Catchers have reported and spring is in the air; sort of, I mean if all this snow would disappear. Anyway, there has been talk of Bud Selig retiring as Commissioner of MLB. While we wait for the snow to melt and the real games to start let me wax rant style on what I would do as the next commissioner.

1) Contract and Realign

I understand that baseball is the all-American game and that MLB is the one major American sport that has had extreme success in globalization. Since there has been great strides in world popularity (look at Latin America and Japan) I think the sport could overcome the loss of two Major League teams for the sake of balance and improved play. Which teams you ask. I've hinted at one already. Toronto. What value does a Canadian team bring? Since the Expos are now in D.C. that leaves one lone out of nation club. Not being an insider, it seems that Toronto is a viable market and probably financially secure which alone makes good reason not to contract them. But if I'm commissioner, the reason is to keep everything in house. Not PC I know. This decision feels tighter, cleaner, provides better travel schedules and less hassle (dealing with another country), and makes is easier to answer to a mob of angry fans. I can ignore Canada without losing sleep. Which leads me to the other team I would contract. Oakland. The big reason here is to avoid having two teams sharing the Bay market. Oakland is the smaller of the two and struggles to compete. Axing the A's would enhance the Giants. Answering to the fans here would be much more difficult but hey, that's why the Commish gets the big bucks, right?

Now we have 28 teams instead of 30 which by default makes competition that much better. Less teams makes for less players needed to fill those rosters which in turn enables players who are not ready for the big time to stay in the minors for more seasoning (the minor league towns would enjoy and benefit from) and for those who just really are not the best of the best, keeps them out of the league all together. This improves play on the field which is most important for the true fan.

With Toronto and Oakland gone a void has been created in the American League. No worries, let's just realign. Baseball has done this several times. No biggie. Might I suggest moving the hapless Pirates to the A.L. East to replace the Jays and the Rockies to the A.L. West to replace the A's. Now we have 14 teams in each league and balanced divisions all around. Normally, I am not a proponent of trying to create fairness, probably because I don't experience it myself in my own life, but in this case I am looking out for the fans who have the big picture in mind and not just their fav team.

My rational for moving the Pirates and Rockies is simple. The Pirates cannot compete now as it is in the N.L. Central plus this division has 6 teams. Moving the Bucs forces one of two PA teams to the opposing league which allows the fans to enjoy both styles of baseball, one with a DH and another without. I know, the A.L. East is the toughest division in baseball. Does it really matter what division you put them in? The Pirates just suck, that's all there is to it. Logically, Pittsburgh is the eastern most city geographically to fill the void lost by contracting Toronto. As far as the Rockies are concerned, wouldn't you love to see a DH hit in Denver? With the light air, it seems a good fit to entice the club to play an offensive style. The Rockies early history suggests that's the approach they took to construct the roster. They were bad then, but an offensive emphasis in the N.L. isn't the right approach. Putting them in the A.L. combined with their new pitching philosophy makes for an interesting A.L. West division.

That's a busy day. Can't make all the changes at one time. Stay tuned for further action taken from the office of the new Commissioner. Now for a hot dog and suds.

West Coast Baseball Tour

I celebrated the 4th of July holiday in all-American style. My friends and I traveled to the west coast visiting Major League Baseball yards. This time last year I posted an entry about our east coast trip. That trip included Camden Yards (Baltimore), Yankee Stadium (NY) and Fenway Park (Boston.) The motivation last summer was to see Yankee Stadium before it closed. The baseball was terrific; the games and the overall atmosphere generated by the fans were one of a kind. In planning the trip for this summer there was one classic, historic yard we had not visited which led us to California.

Los Angeles -- From a baseball point-of-view this was the highlight of the trip. Dodger Stadium is a beautiful place, probably enhanced by the constantly warm climate. This yard was the centerpiece of the trip and the classic stadium we had traveled to see. For being a huge sports market and having an historic franchise one could assume the atmosphere would be hyper with ultra passionate fans. Not the case. In fact, the stadium itself is completely surrounded by parking lots-- no restaurants, bars, or memorabilia stores. Dodger Stadium sits on a large patch of desert with no nightlife or retail or anything surrounding. We enjoyed Grandpa Elliott and his harmonica playing the pre-game National Anthem in addition to God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch. The fans are laid back like typical Californians, although we were all disappointed that Manny was still 3 days away.

San Diego -- The next stop on the tour was Petco Park which is one of the recently built stadiums. This venue features a warehouse incorporated into the structure of the left field stands. Also, beyond the right-center field fence is a large sand box which of course is supposed to replicate the beaches just a few blocks away. The 'beach' was full of kids not enjoying the game. A first inning home run came close to reminding those young-uns what they were missing. The all you can eat section we sat in had tricked up hot dogs, plump and extra greasy. Three dogs were the max but we did consume one food item per inning.

Anaheim -- Back to the greater LA area with a stop at Angel Stadium which strangely had a mid-western feel. Other than the great weather there was no obvious indicator that we were in southern California. This was a family baseball experience with a stadium full of young kids with their parents. There was nothing especially unique about Angel Stadium. It was a clean place with a good sized crowd who seemed to be baseball fans in general, not passionate, just there for a good time.

As vacations go, this year was an overall better trip. Taking into account the great weather and the air travel, this trip lended itself to more activity besides baseball. Considering just baseball stadiums and the sport, no place or building can compete with NY and Boston in terms of passion, lore, beauty, and magic. Nonetheless, I can now cross off Dodger Stadium as a classic baseball place I've visited. I think my classics tour is now complete: Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Tiger Stadium, Camden Yards, Yankee Stadium, & Fenway Park. Too bad Crosley Field and Candlestick Park aren't still baseball hosts.

Skyline Vagabond Picks

It is common knowledge that the three most important aspects of real estate is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. When location is good, profitability is maximized. The same can be said of baseball pitchers. Success in pitchers is measured not by velocity of the pitches but by the number of outs generated. If you have watched enough baseball you've learned that a ball pitched in the middle of the strike zone is in danger of getting absolutely smashed no matter how hard it is thrown. Tom Glavine (seen above) has made a living and a HOF career of pitching to the corners.

Speaking of pitching, now that the steroid era is officially over I think MLB will retreat to a more historical version of the game that was lost during the drug years. More and more we will start to see the semblance of those 70's & 80's, Whitey Herzog type teams. I suspect the movement toward valuing defense and speed is underway. Throughout the 90's there was a blending of the two leagues in terms of style of play. It used to be that pitching and defense motivated the play in the N.L. while the sluggers were clustered in the A.L. The steroid era changed all that insomuch as every player could pop one out of the yard and each team had a player who was capable of putting up 40 dingers a year. Now that the players have more realistic levels of testosterone, other baseball skills besides power hitting will become revelant.

Now my picks for the 2009 season that begins on Sunday night. Remember, you heard it hear first.
National League

• West: San Francisco Giants
• Central: Chicago Cubs
• East: Philadelphia Phillies
• Wild Card: Atlanta Braves

American League

• West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
• Central: (up for grabs but I'll pick) Minnesota Twins
• East: Boston Red Sox
• Wild Card: New York Yankees

Surprise teams:

• Kansas City Royals (A.L.)
• Cincinnati Reds (N.L.)

These teams, while not winning their respective divisions, will compete most of the summer up until the trading deadline.

World Series Winner: I hate picking the Yanks or Sox because it is the trendy thing to do. Plus these teams have the cash to add pieces at the trading deadline if they need to so it becomes the logical pick. When in doubt just go with your heart, right?

• Atlanta Braves

Now it's your turn. Click the comments link below if you think you know more that me. Make your picks and take your licks.

Why I Love Baseball, Part VI

With Team USA on the brink of elimination from the WBC and the grapefruit and cactus leagues winding down, that means that opening day is near. This is the last post in this series, so if you've missed any you can catch up by clicking the label 'baseball' from the side bar. I'll do a predictions post a few days before the first pitch so keep your eyes peeled. Now where was I...

Baseball truly is a unique sport. Baseball is a sport that plays out like a child's game; you know with a board and tokens and situational cards to direct the outcome. I love baseball because of the format of the game itself. Unlike the other major sports, baseball is not ruled by a timer or clock. Time is no factor as the outcome of the game is settled by the players themselves. As I have written in a previous post in this series, baseball is a game of execution, not last second desperation. There are nine innings in which both teams take turns batting and fielding. If there has ever been a good definition of 'equal opportunity' this is it. Both teams competing against one another get 27 outs. Again, the game itself directs the play, unaffected and uninterrupted by a timepiece.

Situations dictate the flow and the dramatics of the game. At any given moment, any number of plays or outcomes could occur. Teams have options during these situations. An example, of course, would be laying down a bunt to advance a runner or sacrificing an at-bat by hitting to the off field or the runner just stealing the base. Ball players moving about the bases is like taking a turn in a board game; rolling the die, advancing your token the appropriate number of spaces and then reading the situational action card. When you read the card and await your next turn, you're thinking of your next move. In baseball, there are multiple ways to score and multiple ways to win.

Another beautiful feature of baseball is that the scoring is a result of action that happens from all angles, not concluded at a specific post or dependent on the ball. The other major sports channel the action toward a goal, a specific point at which the scoring occurs. The baseball doesn't have to end up in a basket or net or end zone. This is a reactionary game. With the exception of the home run, the action doesn't depend on the ball itself to satisfy the scoreboard, but on the players reaction to how the ball is traveling and how it is being handled. Yea, the ball has to be in motion to get the wheels turning, but it doesn't have to be struck well or even struck at all to get runs across home plate. A wild pitch can score a run. A sacrifice fly out can score a run. I've seen multiple times a bases on balls (both an unintentional and intentional walk) win a game. Compared to the other major sports, baseball boasts diverse plots of success.

Finally, I love baseball because it is a team sport that showcases individual performances. Thinking about this, I realize that all team sports can tout this in some form or fashion. Only in baseball does the individual performance take center stage. All eyes (teammates, the opposing team, fans) transfix upon the pitcher versus the hitter, each isolated for a moment as if nothing else is going on. I remember last July while on a stadium tour with my college friends. We were in Yankee Stadium when the Red Sox were in town. Mariano Rivera was closing out a 1-0 lead for the Yankees when Manny Ramirez stepped to the plate with a runner on. If there is a batter you want in this situation, it's Manny--the best I've ever seen. That was the game he was first accused of quiting on the Sox. He watched three strikes pass and the Yankees won. For just that one moment, the world seemed to stand still.