Gander where are you?

Originally Posted by dr. fager

I understand your problem with the 5 game series, I really do....but the Mets just lost it in the NLCS, I'm not sure how I get that the system screwed them?

Then you aren't getting the full implications of that 5 game series, in more ways than one.
Its no accident that wild card teams keep killing em, especially in the first round.
But the greater effect is how it affects the rotations of the 2nd round.
In the old days when they two division winners met, they each threw their regular rotations in order, just like the regular season. #1 vs #1, etc.
teams are built by Gm's and managers for a five man rotation all year long, and then we change the rules now in the postseason.
Now depending on the first round and how long it takes either team, the pitching matchups can be completely screwed, #2 vs. #4, then #3 vs. #1, etc.
The postseason doesn't resemble the regular season even a little bit in how it plays out.
The bigger farce is that after 162 games, no team with a a record like the Cards belongs in poostseason play in the first place. This aint football with 16 games. This is 162 GAME SEASON!!!! Anyone whos ever played baseball knows that the worst team in the league can win 3 of 5 against the best team on any given series. You really think the Yanks were that much better than the red Sox when they swept em 5 games this year? No way. But baseball is a hot and cold and game of inches game much more than football or basketball or hockey. In those sports no way is the better team ever gonna lose a 3 of 5.
Baseball is much different. One hot pitcher or one error can cost you a game or two, and 5 games aint enough.
Not to mention the way it affects the rotations after that in teh 2nd series.
The regular season in baseball used to be the only regular season that mattered, now you have teams like the Cardinals limping in with an awful record who make the World Series. I guess those 162 regular season games lied huh?
I just hate what the playoff system has done. And to illustrate my point about how any team can beat any team in a series, the Tigers were swept at home to end the season by the worst team in the Majors, KC.
This is just awful for baseball and after the record low ratings they are gonna get this year, they are gonna have to tweak it.

[dr. fager]

I was specifically addressing the Mets...I think the loss of two people in their starting rotation had as much to do it as anything. I get the implications of the 5 game series, unfortunatley I don't see it changing. The revenue generated in the first round makes up for any loss when it comes to ratings and the world series. Detroit and St. Louis are decent markets to boot, you really think this one will have worse ratings than the Marlins/Indians in 97? Did the system change then?

I guess if your point that the Cardinals shouldn't be in...do you suggest taking the 4 best teams in the NL...if so scheduling would have to be tweaked in order to make it fair....meaning you can't have teams playing regional series the whole year and beating up people in their own weak divisions.

Also, where was the outcry last year when the Cards held the best record in baseball and got eliminated by the wildcard Astros? It just seems like now that the NY got teams got bounced it's become an issue.

1, 3, 5, or 7 games
the Yankees didn't seem to play with a lot of passion
they were right to go after Torre
we all love Torre, fans, NY, and his players
but if you fail to properly motivate
and your team becomes complacent
it's time for a change
you don't want to become the Braves

[skippy3481]

oracle,
Attendence at most major league ballparks have increased every year for the last five years. The yankees who haven't won a title in that time, have had their attendence increase for the last 5 years. So tell me how the postseason is going to hurt baseball. Seems like fans are coming to more games. Any thoughts on why?

[SCUDSBROTHER]

This system isn't gunna change.Yankees can continue to pile up wins against bad pitching during the regular season.You can buy those wins.You can buy yourself into a playoff spot. The reason you can't progress in the playoffs is because you have to either 1)hit good pitching,or 2)produce good pitching yourself.You did neither.The Tigers did both.The Cards produced some terrific pitching performances.They did not hit good pitching.It was unfortunate that the Mets threw so many bad pitches late in the games they lost.Mediocre pitching can often be bailed out by your hitters in the regular season.It is not always the case in the post.For instance,that late rally by the Mets last night would probably have won them that game against most teams (during the regular season.)In the post, it's a loss.So,a lot of these wins in the regular season are due to a team's ability to hit themselves out of pitching trouble.You can't rely on doing that in the post...They gone.Pitch better,or lose.The regular season favors the heavy- hitting/ mediocre- pitching teams.They are quickly found out in the post.