Fixing what ain't broken

September 24, 2009 by Jason@IIATMS

In light of Peter Gammons’ admitted overreaction to a tepid stretch run in 2009, I have a two (and a half) quasi-simple suggestions:

Do NOT expand to two Wild Card teams. Period.
Change the LDS format to 2-1-2, giving the Wild Card winner just 1 game at home, ensuring the divisional winners will maintain the advantage they have earned. However, I have one BIG clause to this idea:
- If the Wild Card winner has a BETTER record than the divisional winner they are supposed to play (tiebreaker being head to head record), the format goes back to the traditional 2-2-1.
  
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I would also consider increasing the LDS to a seven game set-up. Even with the same clause as above. Format: 2-1-2-1-1, giving the Wild Card winner only 2 games at home, unless they have a better record, in which case, the format goes back to 2-3-2. The back-and-forth travel would be a bear.

Sure, that would create some logistical difficulties for the teams traveling cross country and their travelling secretaries who have to procure hotel rooms…not to mention the teams and their stadium staff, security, etc. But it would give the division winners a greater advantage if they were the better team during the regular season than the Wild Card winner. Will also add to the length of each series due to travel.

Crazy? Too convoluted? Just might work? You tell me..