Addition of 2nd Wildcard Team in MLB...

thekid78 · Aug 27, 2012

Just wondering how guys feel about MLB going to a 10 team playoffs this season?

It is my understanding that each of the division winners will make the playoffs, and their will be two wildcard teams from each league that play a one-game playoff to get into the divisional series.

This seems to be keeping more times involved in the pennant chase.

I think there are about 17 or 18 teams right now that probably still think they have a shot at making the playoffs, out of 30 MLB teams.

We are approaching September. That certainly can't be the case each season.

Wondering if you guys are more interested in baseball this year because of the new format. If you hate it? Reasons why? Etc.

All thoughts and discussion appreciated.

vinscully · Aug 27, 2012

Personally I like it but can completely understand why some people don't.

I just think it gives the season a bit more longevity as regards races.

beejmi · Aug 28, 2012

I love the idea.

Normally I hate "more teams in the playoffs" but this thing makes sense. You actually are penalizing the wildcard teams for not winning their division (they have to use their top starter in a single game winner-take-all) and the game itself is going to be a huge TV event.

TyBounce · Aug 28, 2012

I really like the idea. It keeps more teams in the race a little longer and i think it's good for the game.

However as an old school guy i still havent warmed up to the 1 game playoff. Nothing in baseball has ever been decided by a single game and i had hoped it would be a best 2 out of 3 but i guess not. ... but i do like it.

KillaRSox · Aug 28, 2012

I like the idea but feel it's the wrong timing. There's a lot more competition than there used to be.

If it was instituted 10 years ago it would have been GREAT.

thekid78 · Aug 28, 2012

KillaRSox said:
I like the idea but feel it's the wrong timing. There's a lot more competition than there used to be.

If it was instituted 10 years ago it would have been GREAT.

You said, it correctly Killa. I did some quick research last night and noticed that in the last 5 years there have been 21 different MLB teams make the playoffs. Thats a pretty incredible stat.

Doug · Aug 28, 2012

I like it overall. It will be pretty difficult for the WC entry to win it all. So a third of teams are now in, well look at NBA and NHL where over half of teams get in, sometimes with a losing record. I can't see a sub .500 team ever making it in in MLB.

Murphy8276 · Aug 28, 2012

I like the 2nd wild card addition... in years past it would have been interesting to see it play out.

being that the wild card has many teams in american league seperated by 3 games or less it should be one heck of a battle for 1 and 2

-murph

thekeyman · Aug 28, 2012

the only thing i don't like about it is,after the 1 game playoff somehow the division winner has to open up in the wild cards park which i feel is wrong.there is some tweaking to do with it but i like the extra teams just not how its set up

Doug · Aug 28, 2012

beejmi said:
I love the idea.

Normally I hate "more teams in the playoffs" but this thing makes sense. You actually are penalizing the wildcard teams for not winning their division (they have to use their top starter in a single game winner-take-all) and the game itself is going to be a huge TV event.

the top guy may not even be available, he might have pitched the game before to even get his team into the WC game, it might even be a #3 type of guy. That would really hurt a team like the NYY if they had to throw their #3 in an elimination game....and they just might ! I'm not sure how much time lapses between game #162 and the WC game, but it can't be more than a couple of days ?

Doug · Aug 28, 2012

thekeyman said:
the only thing i don't like about it is,after the 1 game playoff somehow the division winner has to open up in the wild cards park which i feel is wrong.there is some tweaking to do with it but i like the extra teams just not how its set up

what's the format ? I'm thinking 5 game series ?

thekeyman · Aug 28, 2012

Doug said:
what's the format ? I'm thinking 5 game series ?

i think so doug,but not totally sure

LoCalDallasGuy · Aug 28, 2012

Two Thumbs up.

DrunkenHorseplayer · Aug 28, 2012

A one game playoff is ridiculous; scrap the fifth team and stick with four.

CoolBreeze22 · Aug 28, 2012

If they let the WildCard winner host the team with the best record then they should make that series 1 home and 4 away, instead of 2 home/3 away, IMO. That would certainly reward a team for finishing with the best record.

HarryCaray · Aug 28, 2012

Don't like it personally. Don't like the idea of getting 3rd in your division and making the playoffs...

ImGamblin'Again! · Aug 28, 2012

Drunken Horseplayer said:
A one game playoff is ridiculous; scrap the fifth team and stick with four.

Agree 100 percent

Doug · Aug 29, 2012

I think a 3 game series for that W/C berth would be appropriate, without setting the playoffs back too far...make them play 3 consecutive games ( even a doubleheader on day two at the home team's park) right after game 162, so if the reg season ended on Monday, you could have the LDS start on Thursday.

Gamblin: I recieved your envelope.