https://www.foxnews.com/sports/mlbs-rob-manfred-teases-realignment-expansion-baseball-fans-torch-idea
On the one hand, I do understand the need for more predictibility around playoff windows for media sake. The NBA has had this for years. I also think decreasing player travel would be helpful.
But on the other hand, this would take A LOT to get used to.
I don't want to lose the Pirates
Rob Manfred hates baseball with a passion unseen this side of Willie and his hate for anyone that plays for Marquette
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 18, 2025, 04:38:03 PMRob Manfred hates baseball with a passion unseen this side of Willie and his hate for anyone that plays for Marquette
Rob "piece of metal" Manfred has a passion for baseball that cannot be understood by us peasants.
Manfred would prefer every team run like the pirates
I do appreciate Manfred bringing up ideas like these though even if they eventually get shot down. The pitch clock as been a revelation. The pinch runner in the tenth...eh. Golden At Bat...dumb.
But at least its better than the "no change is good" traditionalists that have dominated thinking for years.
Now we just need robo umps for balls and strikes.
Blown calls don't bother me. The players are human, they blow plays all the time. Why can't the umps be human? A part of sports has been ruined by the end of every game having to be reviewed.
Don't get me wrong, I love the pitch clock and the California runner.
Quote from: The Lens on August 19, 2025, 08:21:53 AMBlown calls don't bother me. The players are human, they blow plays all the time. Why can't the umps be human? A part of sports has been ruined by the end of every game having to be reviewed.
Don't get me wrong, I love the pitch clock and the California runner.
I completely disagree with this. Reviews are way better than blown calls. We have the technology...use it.
Quote from: The Sultan on August 19, 2025, 08:00:11 AMI do appreciate Manfred bringing up ideas like these though even if they eventually get shot down. The pitch clock as been a revelation. The pinch runner in the tenth...eh. Golden At Bat...dumb.
But at least its better than the "no change is good" traditionalists that have dominated thinking for years.
Now we just need robo umps for balls and strikes.
I know it's a slippery slope into robo umps but I thought the challenge system in spring training was great. Just enough variance where if everyone agrees that this is the strike zone today no one complains, but enough they teams can challenge when they think it's most pivotal
My central division has the cubs, Sox, brewers, and St. Thomas
Quote from: Shaka Shart on August 19, 2025, 09:23:29 AMMy central division has the cubs, Sox, brewers, and St. Thomas
As if the Cubs and Sox need another reason for centuries of futility. >:(
I'd rather see four eight-team divisions. Division winners get a bye. The eight best non-division winner records get a Wild Card spot.
Dumbest thing baseball has thought of since the ghost runner for extra innings. Can the Lords of Realm get any stupider.... oh yeah, I forgot, they are pushing a salary cap they won't win on!
One of baseball's biggest problems is there's simply too many teams and not enough talent. Reorganizing and expanding is just another way to dilute the talent base further with the goal of bringing more expansion dollars to existing owners to compensate for the way the owners have botched their television contract.
Right now, baseball has the Colorado Rockies cruising for the worst season in baseball history. It should be easy for that pathetic team. The record was set just a year ago by the White Sox, another pathetic team and chances are next year might bring an even worse team from somewhere. Heck, the Pohlads couldn't sell the Twins. Instead, they're going to make them the worst team in baseball.
If anyone in baseball had any sense, they'd think about contracting four teams. The "A"s, Tampa, Pittsburgh and take your pick among several marginal teams should be contraction targets. When you contract, you have fewer positions, increasing the likelihood that baseball owners could find talented players and pay them without the excess we see today. Less demand means lower cost.
And, don't even think about Nashville!
They tried contraction. It was a disaster and it would solve any of the problems you are talking about anyway.