MLB Wildcard Race

[VDub26Falcon]

What a finish we are looking at in the American League! If you've been paying attention, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few games here and there and are very close to a playoff spot. Right now they sit just 1.5 games out of the 2nd Wild Card spot with an extremely favorable schedule.

The Yankees, Orioles, Royals and others are all close to the top as well. Now that the Indians are on the road, they are finally playing in a playoff atmosphere. Hope they can take care of business the rest of the way and not have to worry about the outcome of other games. Just win. No reason to lose to any of the teams left on the schedule.

[Class of 61]

Actually, the Tribe is now .5 games out of the final wildcard spot.... but only 12K + showed up tonite to see them win in 11 innings... Too bad the Browns latest "achievement" has taken over the sports news in Cleve. The Indians deserve to be supported better than this...they just got thru a series with KC, who trails them by 2-3 games, but was drawing over 20k for each of the 3 games there.

[Class of 61]

As of Monday, Sept.23, the tribe is now 1 1/2 AHEAD of Texas for the 2nd WC spot, trailing T Bay by 1/2 game.... got to admit, this 2nd WC idea was a good one in keeping a LOT of teams in it and a LOT of folks interested. Even the Indians drew 26K both Sat. and Sun. after some pretty pathetic crowds only a few weeks ago.

[TG1996]

26,000. If they get to 26,500, does everyone get a cookie?

Oakland is playing to a half-empty stadium that's already half tarped off. The Reds clinched tonight in front of half a crowd. Cleveland was drawing 12,000 for awhile, until the "die hard, longtime fans" realized they were in contention.

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT!

And the second wild card is a decent idea, except that they eff it up with the wild cards playing each other in a one-game playoff. Bud Selig sucks.

[Lord_Byron]

. . . .And the second wild card is a decent idea, except that they eff it up with the wild cards playing each other in a one-game playoff. Bud Selig sucks.

Let me say that I agree that Bud Selig sucks, but the degree of his suckitude shouldn't be measured by the additional wild card team.

Don't lose sight of the reason that this was implemented. It was designed to put a premium on winning the division. Prior to the one-game playoff, there was no downside to winning the wildcard other than not getting home field. The additional wild card was intended to create incentive for teams to win divisional races, and prevend the Yankess/Red Sox crap from a few years ago.

Both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh should have their eyes focused on St. Louis to avoid the one-game playoff.

[Flipper]

I like the wild card "play in " concept far more than the original wild card. I miss the old two divisions format...but then I'm sure a lot of older fans miss the pre 1969 set up where there were no divisions and the two league champs played in the WS.

[TG1996]

It puts a premium on winning the division... until the Wild Card team gets home field in the World Series because their group of homecoming king winners were better than the other league's homecoming king winners, at least among the homecoming king winners that decided to show up, in an exhibition game.

I get the idea behind it, but a winner-take-all game is ridiculous after a 162-game season. Not to mention what it does to eff up pitching rotations and match-ups. It's like making the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs a sudden death game of Chuck a Puck.

[footballguy51]

It puts a premium on winning the division... until the Wild Card team gets home field in the World Series because their group of homecoming king winners were better than the other league's homecoming king winners, at least among the homecoming king winners that decided to show up, in an exhibition game.

I get the idea behind it, but a winner-take-all game is ridiculous after a 162-game season. Not to mention what it does to eff up pitching rotations and match-ups. It's like making the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs a sudden death game of Chuck a Puck.

I think the point is that it effs up the pitching rotations and match-ups for the wild card team. That 1 game match-up forces you to play your primary starter and use your good guys to be sure you win the game, which then puts you on the defensive (if you win) for the divisional series. It's a brilliant way of allowing one more team the chance to enter the playoffs while rewarding the three teams that played hard throughout the season.

[Redwingtom]

21,083 (49.9% full) for the Tribe last night. Pretty sad for a franchise who not too long ago had what, 500 sellouts in a row?

To contrast, the lowly Twins had 25,541 (64.7% full) last night for the Tigers.

[factman]

You sound like a Toledo fan worrying about BG's attendance!

[VDub26Falcon]

21,083 (49.9% full) for the Tribe last night. Pretty sad for a franchise who not too long ago had what, 500 sellouts in a row?

To contrast, the lowly Twins had 25,541 (64.7% full) last night for the Tigers.

544.

[Class of 61]

21,083 (49.9% full) for the Tribe last night. Pretty sad for a franchise who not too long ago had what, 500 sellouts in a row?

To contrast, the lowly Twins had 25,541 (64.7% full) last night for the Tigers.

544.

Actually, I believe it was 455 consec. sellouts. At least that's what I recall seeing painted on the right field upper deck facade.

[Flipper]

Your three time...three time...three time...AL Central champion Detroit Tigers!!!!

[Redwingtom]

So, I see Chris Perez got lit up and smoked again.

[VDub26Falcon]

'61 - you're absolutely right. It was 455. I thought something looked off as I typed the 544.

Good Lord, if Chris Perez throws another inning without being high I am going to s#it a brick and have 3 hear attacks.