MLB to Extend Playoffs

MLB is expected to announce the extended playoffs today. Now, there will be ten playoff teams, five in each league. By doing this, each league will have two Wildcard teams who will play each other in a one-game playoff; and then, the winner of that game will go through the typical Divisional Series.

If this was in effect last year, the Red Sox would’ve made the playoffs. Would they have done well in the playoffs? I would have to think no based off how they played in September. But, the fact remains they would’ve made the playoffs.

If the Red Sox would have made the playoffs last year, I’m sure “chicken and beer-gate” would not have been so prevalent. Francona might still be manager. Papelbon may not have left for the Phillies (so quickly, anyway). Other players, like Oswalt and Jackson, may have signed with the Red Sox instead of going their own ways. Of course, all of this is speculation.

I really think that the extended playoffs is good for the game. Baseball is definitely more exciting when a single game means everything (Game 7 of this past World Series was a must-see). Plus, having the Wildcard teams play each other in a single game makes the game more strategic. With the one-game playoff, a team has to decide whether or not to pitch their Ace for that game, or hope they can win with another pitcher, then start their Ace in the Divisional Series. (Of course, if a team makes the playoffs, you would hope they have multiple “Aces.”)

Plus, the fact that this is a one-game, Wildcard playoff, it doesn’t take away the whole effect of the way that MLB structures their playoffs. The best teams are still going to get in. It’s not like the NHL or NBA where close to if not half the teams make it to the playoffs, and the playoffs can last around two months. (The NFL isn’t as bad since they play one game per round). Baseball will always have October.

There’ll be more press about this after the official announcement is made, and I know some people are going to be complaining that three teams in one division could make the playoffs. Personally, I think that’s a good thing. It’s built-in drama. Would you rather watch the Braves and Nationals play each other in the Wildcard playoff or the Braves and Diamondbacks? Would you rather watch the Yankees and Rays battle it out (because let’s face it, this is a Red Sox website, and I want them to win the division) or the Yankees and Angels?

Extended playoffs are a good thing for baseball, especially the way this is designed. If you think about it, this pretty much happened last year anyway. The wildcard teams came down to game 162. It was either win or go home for both the American and National Leagues.