With the season fast approaching, it is now time to vote on a couple of topics that the League Office feels are worthy of a vote.
Each of the following meets the initial checklist of:
1) Does this add realism?
2) Is it easy to implement?
3) Would it be good for the league?
- Playoff Expansion: The latest MLB CBA expands the MLB playoffs to 12-teams. (3 division winners + 3 Wild Cards in each league). The top two teams in each league would receive a bye.
The #3 Seed would host the #6 Seed in all three games of a best of three series. The winner moves on to face the #2 Seed.
The #4 Seed would host the #5 Seed in all three games of a best of three series. The winner moves on to face the #2 Seed.
The rest of the playoffs remain the same.
[Note from the Commissioner’s Office: As I have stated previously, I believe this change is one we should do. A very easy one to follow realism with, plus it keeps more people engaged here which is a big, big, big positive in my eyes. The more teams that have a chance to vie for a playoff spot the better.] - Playoff Expansion #2: If we are to expand, the question becomes, when do we do it? There are two paths forward, either:
-2022 Playoffs, Immediately, this change does not hurt anyone.
-2023 Playoffs, Just to be safe…
[Note from the Commissioner’s Office: I am ultimately fine with either option others prefer, but I see no harm in making this move for the upcoming 2022 season.]