Loving The Playoffs Even Without the A's

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 10:11 AM PDT in News Comment 60 comments

Well, it’s a rare occasion in this sport when things work out exactly the way you want them to. If that held true more often, the A’s would win the Series every year, Francisco Rodriguez would regularly embarrass himself on the mound, and rats would invade Angels’ Stadium.

Okay, just the first one then.

But since the start of the playoffs, October has gone almost exactly as I hoped it would. I picked the Rockies to beat the Phillies, and after that impressive sweep, I picked them to sweep Arizona as well. This happened on the strength of a 20 of 21 run, which has vaulted the Rockies to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

On the other side of the National League, I really thought it might be the Cubs’ year. I never thought they were actually better than the Diamondbacks, but I thought they could win three games. Apparently, they couldn’t even win one. They were outmatched in every way, which turned out to be fine; because I have discovered that I really don’t like Carlos Zambrano.

Over in the American League, things were even sweeter. I didn’t ask much; just that the Angels would be bounced from the playoffs as quickly as possible, with humiliating losses for Lackey and Rodriguez. I thought Boston was the one AL team that could accomplish this, and it doesn’t get much better than what actually happened. Not only did Lackey get shown up by Beckett in a losing cause to drop game one, but K-Rod was on the mound to give up quite possibly one of the most impressive game-winning playoff homeruns ever, and got to watch as someone else, for a change, celebrated his baseball awesomeness.

I have mixed feelings about the last series. I wanted Cleveland to win, because; hey, it’s the Yankees, and also because they never do. It was nice to see pitchers like Sabathia and Carmona get some credit, instead of the all-Wang channel. That sentence did not type well. But I did want A-rod to be more of a success than he was; if for no other reason than to show up the New York media. Give credit to the Yankees though; they were the only losing team in the division series to even win one game.

And now, on the brink of the World Series, we see Cleveland just one win away from knocking off both AL East powerhouses in impressive fashion, and advancing to a showdown with the Rockies. I’m not a huge Cleveland fan, but I can’t not be right now. How can you begrudge a team anything when they emerge as winners from a pool that included the Angels, the Yankees, and the Red Sox?

I accept full responsibility for any jinx, but it looks like it will be Cleveland and Colorado in the World Series, and all I’ve heard from the national media is how terrible this is for baseball ratings. Sure, I agree; who wouldn’t watch another Yankees/Red Sox showdown in the ALCS, but by the same token, why are the playoffs limited to those teams? Why can’t Colorado’s success story be enough for even a casual baseball fan? Why isn’t Cleveland being lauded with praises by fans everywhere; fans of small-market baseball who still want to believe that their team has a chance every year, even with minimal radio coverage, limited TV appearances, and no money or superstars?

I think these playoffs have been awesome. And while I’m not arguing that they are good for TV ratings--with all of the short series, lesser-known teams, etc--I have loved them all the same. I would welcome a Rockies/Indians World Series, and I would watch every game.

Am I alone?

Poll

2007 playoffs

Good for ball

407 votes

Bad for ball

16 votes

Baseball is still going on?

83 votes

506 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 60 comments

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Comments

JINX JINX JINX

really, you should know better

by OaklandSi on Oct 17, 2007 10:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

She's really a Boston-lover!

GET HER!

It kind of sounds corny, but you develop a bond with your pumpkins.

by Poppy on Oct 17, 2007 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cleveland-Boston series ain't over

Some of us grew up near Cleveland, with the Indians as our childhood team.

I know, from deep and bitter experience, how easy it is for Cleveland to lose in hideous fashion. It's a bit like being an A's fan this decade, only Cleveland's history spans across different sports.

There's the baseball team, which hasn't won a World Series since 1948 and is best known for Willie Mays' catch in the 1954 series. Fast forward to the 1990s, and a team that needed three outs to clinch the series against the Marlins (I still remember Bob Costas' long intro) and couldn't do it.

And it's not like Boston can't win three straight games. They've got the hottest pitcher in the league throwing next, then would go home with Schilling in Game 6 and a Game 7 crapshoot.

by bear88 on Oct 17, 2007 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

See, you would think this...

But I have been weirdly right this postseason. That never happens. People said I was crazy picking the Rockies to not only beat Arizona, but to sweep, and no one gave Cleveland any credit.

I stand by the fact that the Indians are going to the World Series.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

JINX JINX JINX

by OaklandSi on Oct 17, 2007 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's only a jinx if Cleveland can't pull it out

NOW it's a jinx ;-)

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You Can't Be Both An A's and Red Sox Fan

Please, the A's and Red Sox are like oil and water.

by may7 on Oct 17, 2007 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

'Tis a good thing

I just want to see good baseball and I hoped for the Indians/Rockies from the outset as well. Heres to hoping it goes 7.

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Oct 17, 2007 10:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

See? Now THAT would be a great series.

Except it means the Rockies would have to lose three games.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe Colorado goes up 3-0 ...

then Cleveland comes roaring back ...

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Oct 17, 2007 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm VERY surprised

by how much i enjoy watching this postseason. it's been more fun to watch than any other ones in the past few years that i can remember (minus the games the A's were in, of course)!

GO ROCKIES!

by gotgreen on Oct 17, 2007 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed!

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Oct 17, 2007 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox, ESPN & MLB

would have a lot better ratings if they spent more time during the season promoting other teams and other rivalries they'd have a lot better chance at having good ratings in the post season from these teams. Instead, they spend 95% of the time talking about and showing the Stanky Sox rivalry and ignore the fact that other, quality baseball is going on.

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Oct 17, 2007 10:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep, I watch a TON of baseball

and baseball related programs, and there are players on all of the playoff teams (besides LAA/NYY/BOS) that were new to me.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed!

In fact, the media in general is incapable of handling anything more than two parties in any sort of race. Whether it's baseball, another sport, or a political debate, they only know how to pitch the two-sided contest.

"Female ass are strange creatures. They come and go as they please." -- Sigourney Weaver

by oblique on Oct 17, 2007 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's right...

You ran Mary Carey's 2003 gubernatorial campaign, didn't you?

It kind of sounds corny, but you develop a bond with your pumpkins.

by Poppy on Oct 17, 2007 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who are you calling a guber?

"Female ass are strange creatures. They come and go as they please." -- Sigourney Weaver

by oblique on Oct 17, 2007 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the reason we're enjoying the playoffs

this year is due to the fact that the A's were bounced out so long ago. I know that after we got swept by Detroit to end our postseason last year, I turned the tv off and din't watch another game until spring training. I was steamed about them no longer being in the hunt for the prize. This year I was able to accept defeat early in the season, damn baseball and our mediocrity all through August/September, and finally reluctantly come crawling back like a cheating ex-boyfriend asking for another chance just as the postseason picture solidified itself.

And god bless good ol' Baseball, she took me back with open arms AND threw in a good beat-down of NY and (hopefully) Boston for good measure... Go Tribe!

www.myspace.com/sixto80

by Sixto on Oct 17, 2007 11:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

And god bless good ol' Baseball, she took me back with open arms AND threw in a good beat-down of NY and (hopefully) Boston for good measure... Go Tribe!

Great Quote.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I agree with everything else you said

It's a lot easier to watch the playoffs when you're not bitter. If I was a Mets or Padres fan, I wouldn't have turned baseball on for six months after the season was over.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The state of baseball, and AN

"Well, it’s a rare occasion in this sport when things work out exactly the way you want them to. If that held true more often, the A’s would win the Series every year, Francisco Rodriguez would regularly embarrass himself on the mound, and rats would invade Angels’ Stadium."

This is why I read Athletics Nation. Excellent writing (somehow expressing what I'm feeling...amazing!), and fall-down laughing material! I'm crying, I'm laughing so much.

Thank you so much, AN.

by catattack on Oct 17, 2007 11:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice picks...

You should go to Vegas this weekend and put a bet on the World Series with how on fire you have been.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 17, 2007 12:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

People keep getting mad at me when I say

'Colorado in 4'.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe you rub it in too much?

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 17, 2007 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not possible.

I'm adorable and charming when I'm right.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and bitter, cheap and petty when wrong?

:-) like I tend to be...(rumor has it)

count-down to ST.

by ak_A on Oct 17, 2007 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's funny

I'm bitter, cheap and petty when I'm right. Go figure...

Well I used to live the night life, but now the night life's living me.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 17, 2007 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

While I'm pleased with the results so far,

I can't say I'm even remotely pleased with the process. I can't remember a postseason with so little drama. Most of the games are blowouts. Even the extra-inning games are boring. All the series are sweeps or near-sweeps.

The first two rounds of the playoffs have 34 possible games. Of those, between 22 and 24 will actually be played; of those perhaps 4 or 5 have had actual tension. That's abysmal.

by PaulThomas on Oct 17, 2007 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

well Paul

took the words right out of my mouth.

Is it exciting to see fresh faces and Davids knocking off Goliaths? Absolutely.

But let's stertch these things out a little.

Underdogs aren't supposed to win so...easily.

Here's hoping for a Series that rivals Braves-Twins in '91.

"Hitting is better than sex." Reggie Jackson

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 17, 2007 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes! That would be awesome!

STREEEEEEEEEETCH it out! I hate the long layoff until the world series. Can't they adjust the schedule? I hope no games get snowed out!

by A'sfansince1970 on Oct 17, 2007 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

I thought the LAA/BOS game that Manny won was a really excited game; same goes for the extra inning COL/SD game, and both extra inning games.

And any game the Angels get blown out is a good game. ;-)

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not claiming it's an objective fact

or anything, just that my impressions so far have been crummy. The one-game playoff was a classic, of course, but after that it's been kind of blase. I looked it up, and there have been only 5 games which were won by runs in the 7th inning or later by my count. That's pretty horrible.

The real problem has been the zombielike quality of most of the offenses. It feels like you can stop watching as soon as someone gets a lead. The extra off days are really hampering offense; teams are throwing their best relievers for 2 innings every game because there's seemingly always an off day the next day.

by PaulThomas on Oct 17, 2007 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've really enjoyed this postseason as well.

And, like you, it has unfolded exactly the way I had hoped it would...I think a Rockies/Indians series would be one of the most fun world series' in a long time. Loads of young guns having fun and just playing ball. How great would that be?

Oh, and in response to your rhetorical question about who wouldn't want to watch a Yankees/Red Sox ALCS? Me. I wouldn't. If those teams ended up facing one another, I would have boycotted the ALCS. At least with Cleveland in, I haven't had to boycott (since I wanted Boston to humiliate the Angels).

Anyways, this could be good for baseball if it is an exciting series. Cuz then maybe people will start watching some of the younger teams because of the excitement they created in the postseason.

Larry Davis is an All Star: Further proof that literally anything is possible.

by ZeroIndulgence on Oct 17, 2007 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Colorado's streak has been good for ball

FOR SURE.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have watched very little

Been into Cal and Raider football, politics, home life...I don't know why, I have been very detached.

I am looking forward to the game tomorrow, Boston makes me puke.

I meant top say thanks to Blez and bbg'n Nico and all the rest of the writers for such a good year of effort, but I never did, I should have. Y'all seriously kicked ass, again.

I appreciate it, a great deal. I fucked up some, 'course, in open game threads but I sitll had a blast in there all season, until the very end when I got quiet, it was too sad.

Ciao, AN writers, you were simply wonderful, it was and is seriously appreciated.

by paradox on Oct 17, 2007 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

NC-17 recap alert

"instead of the all-Wang channel. That sentence did not type well. But I did want A-rod"
.....
speechless

Beane's World!! Excellent!!! Rock On, Beane! Rock On, Geren!

by Satchmo22 on Oct 17, 2007 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was only supposed to be PG-13

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Memories...

I was born and raised in Cleveland. If you want to know what we've been through, check out Wikipedia for a description of what's happened since Rocky Colavito left Cleveland in 1960: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_o...

In my life, I've been through:

1987 - 101 losses
1991 - 106 losses
1993 - Pitchers killed in a boating accident
1994 - In 1st place when season ended by a strike
1995 - Swept by Atlanta
1997 - 7th game, 9th Inning loss (devastation)
1998 - Lost to the Yankees in the ALCS after winning the first two games...

And my all time favorite: took a 92-63 record into the final week of the 2005 season with a firm grip on the wild card spot only to lose 6 of the last 7 games and lose the Wild Card to Boston.

Up 3 games to 1? Doesn't mean anything.

by clevelandathleticclub on Oct 17, 2007 3:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, all A's fans have been there too

But looking at it even semi-objectively, I still stand by the fact that Cleveland is moving on. For all of our sakes, I hope in game 5.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 17, 2007 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, for all of our sakes, I hope it's in game 5.

by clevelandathleticclub on Oct 17, 2007 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually

Cleveland lost in six games in the '95 Series

but pain is pain, right?

In the book dedicated to the Colvaito curse it also mentions Dennis Eckersley's first wife cheating on him with Eck's teammate and best friend Rick Manning (she later married Manning). This led to Eck being traded to Boston.

"Hitting is better than sex." Reggie Jackson

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 17, 2007 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree with almost everything u said, bbg.....

....the payroll of the Indian, D'back,and Rocks combined is less than the Yankees....I really want the tribe to win, cuz the BoSux fans are so obnoxious and take over our coli when they play here. However, it's hard to root for Cleveland with that disgusting logo...

Go Small Market teams!

Go Rockies!

Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too

by littleA on Oct 17, 2007 3:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Red Sox/ Yankees Story Is Old And Boring

I don't understand why people are so fascinated by these two teams and want them to play in the ALCS every year. Two teams that lavish millions on even mediocre players aren't really that interesting. Why hasn't the country been facinated by Cleveland's lore? It's every bit as interesting as the Red Sox' history of futility (remember Damn Yankees?) and the Rockies' sudden emergence out of nowhere to take the NL pennant. Denver is also emerging as every bit as good of a sports city as Boston (plus Denver is a much, much better place to live than ol' Beantown and with much nicer people). People are just fascinated by the Red Sox and Yankees because the northeast is where most of the national sports writers are based. I hate BOTH the Red Sox and Yankees.

by may7 on Oct 17, 2007 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought Damn Yankees

was about the Senators. Or in today's parlance, the Twins.

by PaulThomas on Oct 17, 2007 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

media buzz words

You see, TV executives distrust baseball even though they air the sport's most important games. They don't believe the game carries sufficient viewer attention, so they trim it down to buzz words, like "New York," and "Yankees," and "Steinbrenner." Also, "Boston" and "Red" and "Sox."

link

Brainless Automaton #439

by rubin sierra on Oct 17, 2007 4:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That was actually an excellent article

Ratto is always a lot better when he's not writing one of his inevitable "Here's 15 reasons why [Cal football/Stanford basketball/the Niners/the Sharks] was foredoomed to lose before [the series/the season] started" columns.

by PaulThomas on Oct 17, 2007 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really good article...

Feel the same way:

But first, let's just get this out of the way. This series will get near-record low ratings. We know this because it is now a stock line in every story about postseason baseball ratings. We urge you not to care. You're not network executives, and you don't have to care. You are also not sheep, and can seek your entertainment wherever you find it. This will be good. Trust us.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 18, 2007 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

World Series here we come...

FIRE McCLAREN NOW!

mmmmmmm.... VORP Bring back Felix "Lost him to the cards" Jose!

by gdub171 on Oct 17, 2007 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

With the Rockies remarkable season-

I hope the stars are aligning as I have a phone interview tomorrow for a position in Denver. Second one I have applied for in the area, and first interview. (emails nico for interview tips)

count-down to ST.

by ak_A on Oct 17, 2007 6:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good luck!

My sister lived in Denver for several years. Nice town. Hope things go your way.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 17, 2007 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're leaving Alaska?!!?!?

But...but...it's so pretty!

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 18, 2007 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tip #1: Don't wear that shirt.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 18, 2007 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's been a great post season so far.

Especially from a "small" market fans point of view. The Mets choking and sputtering their way out of the playoffs at seasons end was just a preview of other Goliaths getting their just rewards. What better script could an A's fan ask for if their team couldn't make the grade? Red headed step children around the nation cringed at the sight of the bitch slapping the Angels received. Then the Indians avenged themselves of little Jeffrey's antics of a few years past by punking the vaunted Yankee's. Next on the menu is the other eastern high priced whore, the Boston Red Sox. I never believed the Indians could pull it off. Small market fans are rewarded with a WS in which young talent gets an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage.

The only possible way it could be scripted any better for an A's fan is if the new Angels GM trades away half the roster for that mythical "big bat" that the good Rev craves so badly. Here's hoping Billy initiates the new guy in a manner that brings a smile to A's fans everywhere.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 17, 2007 7:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great summary.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Oct 18, 2007 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's matter of perspective

I think most A's fans are pleased with the results, whether from a small-market POV, or seeing the teams they hate the most get eliminated.

In that regard, it's been a success.

From a drama and intensity perspective, not so much.

As refreshing as it is to see new teams, there isn't any fierceness that a rivalry series might bring.

Let's face it, the Rockies and Indians are too likeable, and the hardest part- for those who have become attached- will be seeing one of them lose in the Series.

"Hitting is better than sex." Reggie Jackson

by 67MARQUEZ on Oct 17, 2007 8:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great post.

That is all.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 17, 2007 9:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Small market success=Good for us,

I for one will be rooting for the Rockies. In four or five against the Indians.

by Gromit1025 on Oct 18, 2007 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I Have Been looking for

A Cleveland/Colorado series from the start, so I am elated with the results so far.

However, my desires have little to do with non-Athletics ballclubs, other than a desire to have the World Series participants as far from ESPN world HQters as possible.

What I want to see is Game Seven of the World Series decided by a ground ball up the middle into centerfield. The centerfielder cannot find it in the snow, and the runner circles the bases for a seeming inside-the-park home run, but no one can be sure if he touched home plate, or just a mound of snow!

I am really STEAMED that all-mighty television has stretched the playoffs waaaaaaaaaaaay into late October. It's not baseball weather. Greed is ruling the playoffs even more that the regular season. OHGAWDD don't dare tread on the weekend football TV! Just let the Rockies stew NINE DAYS before they play again!

Call it the Rusty Rockies Series... look for AL pitching to be inexplicably "dominate".

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Oct 19, 2007 4:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Round Robin Tournament in Las Vegas

I've sent a letter to MLB as well as the mayor of Las Vegas, touting my idea about a "playoff tournament" in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas would have to build a complex, with four baseball fields. There would be an onsite, secure "hotel" for the teams (players and personnel) connected by walkway to the stadia. Once at the playoffs in Las Vegas (and the 80-degree weather, for the most part) there would be no travel, no bus rides, just baseball. And players could have family at the hotel (I know...this is bad for some guys!)

Players talk about the great interactions at the All-Star game... this would be the same over a week. Watching the other league players up close, etc.

In my scenario, the season would end Sept 25th, however many doubleheaders in May and June that would take. September 25th, last game. On September 28th, the "Playoff Tournament" would begin (AL and NL would remain separate) and every playoff team would play at least ONE playoff game against the other three teams. To reward a good record in the regular season, September 28th would feature (both AL and NL) a doubleheader between the wild-card team and the division winner with the lowest winning percentage. A doubleheader would expose weak pitching depth. September 29th would feature games between the team with the best record versus the wild card, and the 2nd and 3th best-record teams would play each other on the same day. And so on. When you lost your fourth game, your team is ousted from the playoffs.

Personally, I could enjoy Cubs-Phillies, Phillies-Dbacks games in the mix, or Angels-Yankees. The lopsided sweeps this year just show how badly the current setup hurts the playoff teams.

The World Series would be a traditional thing, but played right about now, maybe with the last game no later that October 15th.

In baseball weather. Television coverage of the current "playoff" system doesn't excite anyone. The season is too far gone for baseball interest. It may work for the NHL and NBA to have six-week playoff schedules, but not baseball.

I repeat: NOT BASEBALL!

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Oct 19, 2007 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

MLB is blind to what they compete against

The Sharks are playing hockey, and have sold out their game in San Jose last night.

Hockey season!

Warriors basketball is already getting more "ink" that the MLB CS, locally.

College football and the NFL are in full swing, very much into "games that count".

Do the MLB games in June have the same "pull" away from playoff basketball and playoff hockey??? NO. Not in the least.

We got four sports going right now, fans. Four professional sports! the MLB powers are foolish to ignore this. Set up the playoffs for a tournament in Las Vegas!!

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Oct 19, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs