JasonMath1679667476

It looks like Mr. Coleman is doing his best to emulate another CC (despite the low strikeout numbers)! :hello: Hopefully, he doesn't fall apart and can pitch 2-3 more strong innings!

I know that there have been some threads here in the past about division re-alignment, but I have a new idea for the teams. The AL and NL get changed to leagues representing the west (Western and Midwestern States) and east (mostly Atlantic seaboard states). The teams would stay in the same division unless the number of teams changes, or a team moves from one city to another. For this to happen, the leagues would probably have to agree on rules regarding the designated hitter. Anyways, here is my list, based on this location map: AL Northeast AL North-Central AL Southeast NL Central NL West NL California Red Sox Blue Jays Orioles Cubs Astros Padres Yankees Indians Nationals White Sox Rangers Dodgers Mets Tigers Braves Cardinals Diamondbacks Angels Phillies Reds Rays Royals Rockies Giants Pirates Marlins Twins Mariners Athletics Brewers If the California teams don't mind being split up, the NL California division could be the NL Pacific division, with the Mariners going to the Pacific, and the Padres going to the West. This new alignment would reduce travel costs not only within the divisions, but also within the leagues. In addition, cities and states with two teams would be able to have games much more often than with the current alignment. In fact, the only state with two teams in different divisions is Pennsylvania (with the Phillies and the Pirates). What do you think of this idea?

I've been thinking, should Major League Baseball expand the playoffs to 12 teams (3 division champions and 3 wild cards from each league)? There have been quite a few teams that had better records than the division champions, yet didn't make the playoffs - the most glaring example was in 2005, when three non-playoff teams (all in the NL East), including the Philadelphia Phillies (88-74), had better records than the San Diego Padres (82-80), who won the NL West. If there was an expansion to 6 teams for each league, with the top two teams (in terms of record) having a bye round, that would give more chances to good teams that would otherwise not get in. If the season ended today, Texas, Minnesota, Atlanta, and San Francisco would all be awarded playoff spots. With the exception of Minnesota (83-76), all of the other teams are at least 10 games above .500 (all have 86-73 records). I wouldn't expand it to 16 teams (like the NBA), since that would drastically increase the chance of a team with a losing record getting a playoff spot - in fact, the 2007 Minnesota Twins (79-83) would have gotten in under this system. However, this new system would give those teams that are 10-15 games above .500 a chance to play in the postseason. What do you think of this idea? Please post your thoughts in the poll and in the thread.

Cubs win! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E MIL (69-75) 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 7 8 2 CHC (75-68) 0 1 0 3 1 5 2 1 - 13 11 1 W: A. Heilman (3-3) L: Y. Gallardo (12-12) Giants winning 7-1 against the Rockies, middle of the 5th Braves beat the Mets 6-0 Marlins beat the Cardinals 2-1 Over in the AL... White Sox losing 3-2 against the Mariners, top of the 7th Royals beat the Tigers 11-1 Twins beat the Indians 5-4 Go CUBS!

Yup. Seems like Lou's fall allergy to foxes has continued...

I agree. He does still give up one too many walks and HBP's, but typically strands the runners when they're in scoring position. Not to mention that he has only given up only one run. P.S. Lou, if he does end up getting too wild, PLEASE do not go back to Gregg - he was the MVP for our opponents this year. :banghead: Grabow or Guzman are good alternatives, but please, no Gregg!! :glare:

I would think that there would be more emphasis on teams from the same geographical area in interleague play aside from the closest team (like the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, and Detroit Tigers). I guess this gives more variety, and gives the Cubs more chances to play the Yankees and the Red Sox. :-))

I would love to go to the game! I just sent you a PM - hopefully, you will check your inbox.

For tonight, Cubs fans need to root for... San Francisco (against the Rockies) and... New York (against the Braves) The wild card race is probably a better shot than the division at this point, so we should also root for the Cardinals to beat the Marlins.

Let's go Cubs - as long as they keep on winning, they still have a small chance at the Wild Card! :) If only Lou removed Sorry-ano sooner... ](*,)