Baseball

[smc]

Originally Posted by dauls

shadows, I understand where you are coming from, but I agree with smc, four postseason teams per league is just fine. And I wonder how many old-school baseball fans still hate the wildcard?

And this year, for the first time in a while the four teams with the best records in both the AL and the NL qualified for the postseason - so all is good.

World Series Game 1: What happened to Cliff Lee?

I hate the wild card as a concept. I certainly understand the math that makes it "necessary."

As for Cliff Lee ... I told one of my best friends (he lives in San Francisco, and grew up with his uncle taking him into the Giants locker room at Candlestick Park to meet Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, et al.), just before the game that Lee was due for a less-than-dominating game. I said if it happened in Game 1, the Giants would have a huge advantage in the series because of momentum.

A mutual acquaintance was at his house to watch the game. My friend Alan told him what I said and he got on the phone. "Oh, yeah, wanna bet?" I agreed to a $100 bet that the Giants would knock Lee out by the 6th inning.

My $100 arrived via PayPal today!

Anyone need any crystal ball work done today?

[shadows]

Originally Posted by smc

Anyone need any crystal ball work done today?

Sure! When am I going to get a girlfriend, Swami SMC?

[smc]

Originally Posted by shadows

Sure! When am I going to get a girlfriend, Swami SMC?

Did that glove break up with you?


(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

[shadows]

Originally Posted by smc

Did that glove break up with you?


(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

That was mean! Now you'll have to give me half of your winnings.

[transjen]

There are two things in Baseball that needs to be done away with
1] the DH
2] the wildcard team in the play offs
Jerseygirl Jen

[shadows]

Originally Posted by transjen

There are two things in Baseball that needs to be done away with
1] the DH
2] the wildcard team in the play offs
Jerseygirl Jen

To be honest, I prefer the DH over watching a pitcher have an at-bat. True, there can be more strategy involved in a National League game, but I still prefer the DH.

I also don't mind the Wildcard. I do not think that they will be getting rid of it anytime soon(if ever).

[smc]

Originally Posted by transjen

There are two things in Baseball that needs to be done away with
1] the DH
2] the wildcard team in the play offs
Jerseygirl Jen

Jen, I agree: I hate the DH, too.

I also don't like the wildcard, but how do you think it could be replaced if there are three divisions to a league? What would your solution be?

[transjen]

Originally Posted by smc

Jen, I agree: I hate the DH, too.

I also don't like the wildcard, but how do you think it could be replaced if there are three divisions to a league? What would your solution be?

Easy make a fourth divison

Or perhaps elimit some teams and have two divisons in each league
Jerseygirl Jen

[smc]

Originally Posted by transjen

Easy make a fourth divison

Or perhaps elimit some teams and have two divisons in each league
Jerseygirl Jen

The problem with four divisions is that without an equitable structure based NOT on geography it would only ensure that yet another team that wouldn't ever make the playoffs under the old system gets in.

It's a definite conundrum.

As for eliminating some teams, other that the obvious -- Pittsburgh -- who would you eliminate?

[transjen]

Originally Posted by smc

The problem with four divisions is that without an equitable structure based NOT on geography it would only ensure that yet another team that wouldn't ever make the playoffs under the old system gets in.

It's a definite conundrum.

As for eliminating some teams, other that the obvious -- Pittsburgh -- who would you eliminate?

1]Rays
2]Marlins
3]Diamondbacks
4]Rockies
5]Braves
6]Astros
Jerseygirl Jen

[smc]

Originally Posted by transjen

1]Rays
2]Marlins
3]Diamondbacks
4]Rockies
5]Braves
6]Astros
Jerseygirl Jen

Do tell, girl: what's the thinking behind each of these on your list?

[dauls]

Originally Posted by transjen

1]Rays
2]Marlins
3]Diamondbacks
4]Rockies
5]Braves
6]Astros
Jerseygirl Jen

Jen,

The Braves. Unfortunately that will never happen - but it's a nice idea.

The presenter on the old live baseball show in the UK (MLB on Five, 1997-2008) was a Braves fan and he used to gloat about winning the NL East every year (1995-2005) - I really enjoy seeing the Braves lose.

[dauls]

Originally Posted by smc

The problem with four divisions is that without an equitable structure based NOT on geography it would only ensure that yet another team that wouldn't ever make the playoffs under the old system gets in.

It's a definite conundrum.

The weak postseason team problem already exists with the three division system - in recent years how many teams just scraping a .500 season have qualified for the postseason?

A few years ago San Diego won the NL West with an 82-80 record - you need a much better record than that to win the wildcard spot.

I like the wildcard, remember the wildcard Marlins beat the damn Yankees in 2003. And in 2004... (I'll let smc tell the story)

The choice is a tough one between two divisions (old-school), three divisions (works more naturally) or four divisions (potentially lets more weak teams into postseason).

Controversial, but how about two divisions and two wildcard teams?

Originally Posted by smc

As for eliminating some teams, other that the obvious -- Pittsburgh -- who would you eliminate?

What is wrong with poor old Pittsburgh?

Apart from Philadelphia (Veterans Stadium) the Pittsburgh is the only other city where I've seen a baseball game - Pirates beat the Expos 6-1, at Three Rivers Stadium - meaning that the two stadia I've seen baseball in have both been demolished!!!

Eliminate: The Nationals - but that's part of the "bring back the Expos campaign".

[smc]

Originally Posted by dauls

What is wrong with poor old Pittsburgh?

Apart from Philadelphia (Veterans Stadium) the Pittsburgh is the only other city where I've seen a baseball game - Pirates beat the Expos 6-1, at Three Rivers Stadium - meaning that the two stadia I've seen baseball in have both been demolished!!!

Eliminate: The Nationals - but that's part of the "bring back the Expos campaign".

My mention of Pittsburgh was in passing, and should have been elaborated upon so that it would make sense. I don't actually advocate for dropping the Pirates from MLB, but it is a team that should be put into league receivership since it has an ownership group that shows absolutely no commitment to fielding a competitive team. Other than an incredibly beautiful, relatively new stadium (payed for largely by the taxpayers), there has been no real effort in some time to make Pittsburgh the baseball city it once was.