Well, Rob Manfred is really trying to cement himself as the most “innovative” commissioner in league history. At least, that’s what he thinks he’s doing with all his proposed rule or league changes. Some, I will admit, seem to be for the better; others just make no sense. This new push, at this moment in time, is in the latter category.
Monday, a new proposed playoff format surfaced that sources say Major League Baseball is “seriously weighing” as an option to beef up October baseball. In short, the proposed change would see an increase from five teams from each league which we currently have (three division winners, two Wild Cards) to a seven team format with the team with the best record receiving a first round bye (note that there will still be three divisional winners with now four Wild Card teams). The remaining 6 teams would play each other in a best-of-3 series. If you think that’s funky enough, get a load of this. The second seeded division winning team would get to pick it’s opponent among the bottom three teams, then the third and final division winner would pick who they’d like to play, finally leaving the last remaining teams to play each other. Ultimately, the one seeded team and the three winners of the new proposed “Wild Card” round would advance to the Divisional round. Also, these picks would take place on the final day of the regular season on TV in a “Selection Sunday” type of broadcast. This proposed format, if agreed upon by the league and the Player’s Association in the new CBA after the 2021 season, can be implemented as early as 2022. The way it’s stated may sound a bit confusing at first, so CBS Sports gave an example of how it works using the NL playoff picture from last year.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around this format and exactly why Manfred sees it as good for baseball. Honestly, I don’t get it. We just had a format change with the addition of the second Wild Card team in 2012. Even that took some getting used to but I think most fans can agree that format is very appealing with many believing that Game 163 is one of the most exciting games of the year. What I definitely don’t like is the concept of a Selection Sunday and the teams actually getting to pick their own opponent. Manfred here sounds like he’s trying to be like the NCAA when it comes to bowl games or March Madness. Sure, those are fun to watch but they are good for the college game. I don’t know how beneficial it would be for a professional league.
At the end of the day, Manfred continues to try to change the game. LIke I said, some changes I’m a fan of and others are just downright dumb. He keeps trying to pander to an audience that doesn’t care for the game while alienating those who are here year after year. Could a new playoff format help bring in a bigger audience? Of course but right now with the 30 teams in the league, the current format works. Now if the MLB decides to move forward with a couple of expansion teams which can ultimately lead to potentially divisional realignments, then a change in playoff format can definitely be discussed. Right now, I’m not for this new format. Of course, my mind could change when/if we actually see it in action, but right now it should be left as is.
What are your thoughts?
